Australia vs England, 1st Test

Hope you have enjoyed the coverage, as much as we did bringing it to you. Until next time, it's goodbye from the duo of Shashank and Srivathsa. Cheers!

The 2nd Test begins in Adelaide on 3 December, Friday. England may have thoughts of playing 2 spinners, as Adelaide is known to take spin towards the 4th and 5th day. The Australian selectors were seen having an intense discussion with coach Tim Nielsen towards the end of the Test, perhaps discussing the replacements for Johnson and North, who may come under the scanner after an ordinary outing.

The official broadcasters of the series in India, Star Cricket are not showing the presentation. We will have to wait a while for the updates... Looks like we will not get any updates apart from the expected one that Cook is the MoM for his knocks of 67 and 235* in the match.

Johnson went wicketless for the first time in his career and there are serious doubts whether he will retain his place at Adelaide. With Doug Bollinger in good form and fit, he would be looking forward to replace Mitch. The pitch at the Adelaide Oval assists the spinners and both sides may think about going in with two spinners. Will Aus go back to Hauritz? That remains to be seen. All in all a fabulous test match that kick-started the Ashes. Hopefully we would like to see more of such gripping tests over the course of the next 4 games. Do stay tuned for the presentation...

Both sides will take a lot of positives out of this, although it would be England who would be the more happier of the two going into Adelaide. It was a match that was memorable for the under-pressure men - Siddle, Hussey and Cook - who all made significant contributions. Ponting looked very good in the later half of the innings during his unbeaten 51, while it was a disappointing game for Swann and Katich..

The Gabba wicket had nothing in it from day 4 and it flattened out much to the delight of the batsmen. Everyone were expecting this game to not go the distance considering the unseasonal rain-fall that had hit Brisbane in the days leading up to the game. But once the game started, the sun began to shine and that made bowling that much harder.

So after all the hype surrounding the first Ashes test, this has meandered into a boring draw. It certainly did not look like that after Siddle took a hat-trick on day 1. Aus were in the box seat after day 3 and it was only some stubborn and superb rear-guard batting from their openers that ensured that the game was drawn.

25.6 Pietersen to Watson, no run, another defensive stroke from Watson and Strauss walks up to Ponting and shakes hands, that is the end of the game

25.5 Pietersen to Watson, no run, Pietersen bowls from a single step, tossed up outside off, Watson blocks by getting forward

25.4 Pietersen to Ponting, 1 run, punched off the backfoot to long on

Pietersen is coming round the wicket, does it matter now?

25.3 Pietersen to Watson, 1 run, pats it to cover point, wants the single, Ponting is not sure though, they cross over in the end

25.2 Pietersen to Watson, no run, tossed up and on the stumps, Watson gets back to block

25.1 Pietersen to Watson, no run, shortish, tapped back to Pietersen

24.6 Swann to Watson, 1 run, swept away to fine leg

24.5 Swann to Watson, no run, comes on the frontfoot and taps it away

24.4 Swann to Watson, no run, gets forward and defends

24.3 Swann to Watson, no run, goes on the backfoot and defends

24.2 Swann to Watson, FOUR!!, gets forward and on drives it beautifully to long on, got to the pitch and drove it beautifully

24.1 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, turns it to square leg with the spin, gets to a well made 56th fifty, this knock should give him a lot of confidence

23.6 Pietersen to Watson, no run, another block from Watson

23.5 Pietersen to Watson, no run, gets forward and defends

23.4 Pietersen to Ponting, 1 run, backs away and cuts it square of the wicket

23.3 Pietersen to Watson, 1 run, drives it to short cover

23.2 Pietersen to Ponting, 1 run, turns it to square leg

23.1 Pietersen to Watson, Horrid from England, really terrible from Finn, it was patted to him at mid off, Finn threw in a wild throw to Prior who failed to collect, it hit the helmet behind him and Dar signals 5 penalty runs, asks the batters to cross over too

Kevin Pietersen, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

22.6 Swann to Ponting, no run, well tossed up outside off, inviting Ponting to have a drive at that, mistimed to silly mid on

22.5 Swann to Watson, 1 run, whipped with the turn wide of mid wicket

22.4 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting laps a quickish ball down the leg side down to fine leg

22.1 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, gets forward and works it wide of short mid wicket

21.6 Finn to Watson, no run, pitched up outside off, almost a half volley, Watson off drives it to mid off, didn't find the gap that on that occasion

21.5 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length and on the stumps, Watson defends solidly

21.4 Finn to Watson, no run, Watson gets forward this time and defends a length ball solidly

21.3 Finn to Watson, no run, that's much better from Finn, seaming back in, angled in too, Watson lets it go, close to the off stump

21.2 Finn to Ponting, 3 runs, too short from Finn, the cutter again, Ponting rocks back and punches it to sweeper cover for an easy 3, easily done by Ponting

21.1 Finn to Ponting, no run, down the leg side, short delivery banged in, Ponting lets it go

20.6 Swann to Watson, no run, spins back in from outside off, Watson presses back to defend

20.5 Swann to Watson, no run, too full on the stumps, Watson gets forward and defends

20.4 Swann to Watson, 2 runs, gets a thick edge as he prods forward, rolls past slip towards the man running in from third man

20.3 Swann to Watson, no run, pushed through quicker on off, Watson gets back and pats it to the off side

20.2 Swann to Watson, byes, FOUR!!, pitches on middle and spins a mile, beats the keeper and into the fine leg boundary, perhaps the ball pitched one of the cracks and roared back in

20.1 Swann to Watson, no run, flatter one on middle, Watson gets back and dabs it to the on side

19.6 Finn to Ponting, no run, good length and right on the stumps, Ponting defends quite comfortably

19.5 Finn to Watson, 1 run, full on the pads, flicked to deep mid wicket

19.4 Finn to Watson, no run, much better length, forcing Watson to come on the front-foot and defend

19.3 Finn to Watson, FOUR!!, too short from Finn, Watson is a fine puller too, picks that from outside off and smashes it well wide of deep mid, who did not pick it up at all, dribbled away, Finn is not the kind of bowler who can get the short ball to rise up awkwardly from a back of a length area

19.2 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length outside off, Watson shoulders arms

19.1 Finn to Ponting, 1 run, England are trying to bounce out Ponting and it is not working as of now, rocks back and swivels to pull, it went off the bottom of the bat to mid wicket, cue ended it, has a look at his bat after he played that

18.6 Swann to Watson, no run, comes on the frontfoot and blocks

18.5 Swann to Watson, no run, gets forward and defends

18.4 Swann to Ponting, 3 runs, a thick outside edge as Ponting plays away from the body, reached out and then it drifted away to catch the edge, well wide of Colly at 1st slip, 2nd slip would have caught that easily

18.3 Swann to Ponting, no run, was there to be cut away, but Ponting went for power rather than timing, mistimes it back to Swann

18.2 Swann to Ponting, no run, and again, Ponting comes on the frontfoot and blocks

18.1 Swann to Ponting, no run, Ponting lunges forward and defends

17.6 Finn to Watson, no run, suddenly Watson has gone quiet, calmly blocks off the front-foot

17.5 Finn to Watson, no run, Watson gets forward and defends it solidly, it was a length ball on off

17.4 Finn to Ponting, 1 run, another pull shot, crunchy but straight to the fielder at deep square

17.3 Finn to Ponting, FOUR!!, Right in the gap between the 2 men on the on side, if you dont get the short ball right, Ponting will hurt you like no one can in the world, the best player of that shot in the planet, in my opinion, rocks back, swivels and blasts a pull right into gap between the two down at the deep square fence

17.2 Finn to Watson, 1 run, Watson rocks back and pushes it to cover, vacant area that and it will be a single

17.1 Finn to Watson, no run, much more sedate stuff, outside off, left alone

16.6 Swann to Ponting, SIX!!, Wow! What a shot that is, too much air from Swann on that one, Ponting knelt down, slog swept it from outside off, just cleared wide long on, hit cleanly and went all the way, Ponting is looking to be positive now against Swann

16.5 Swann to Ponting, no run, Ponting comes down the track and on drives it to mid on

16.4 Swann to Watson, 1 run, swept from the stumps hard down to fine leg

15.6 Finn to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting pushes it to the off side from the crease, wide of backward point, another easy single

15.5 Finn to Watson, 1 run, well done, defends it with soft hands and rushes across for the quick single

15.4 Finn to Watson, no run, solidly defended off the backfoot

15.3 Finn to Ponting, leg byes, 1 run, Oh Punter has been smacked straight on the side of the helmet! Good to see Finn while going back to his bowling mark ask him whether he was fine, Ponting misjudged that, it did not rise that high, ducked under it, it ripped into the side of his head, he looks ok though, a leg bye taken

15.2 Finn to Ponting, FOUR!!, That's the Ponting we all know! to short from Finn, Ponting gets forward and then swivels to hammer the pull away to the deep mid wicket boundary, authoritative and confidence personified from Punter, that should pep him up

15.1 Finn to Ponting, FOUR!!, half volley from Finn, Ponting gets forward and drives it back to him, Finn stretches out his right hand, cannot grasp it, he should have stopped that, lets it go and that gives Ponting another boundary

Steven Finn, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

14.6 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting lunges out and push drives it to cover, retains the strike with that run

12.2 Swann to Watson, no run, tossed up outside off, driven back firmly to Swann

12.1 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, a bit too straight on the stumps, Ponting goes back and works it to deep square leg

11.6 Broad to Watson, no run, does not swing or seam, just in the channel outside off, Watson lifts his bat and lets it go

11.5 Broad to Watson, no run, nips back in a long way, Watson covers his off stump and shoulders arms

11.4 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson goes on the backfoot and looks to defend, it runs away off the thick outside edge down, along the ground to gully

11.3 Broad to Watson, no run, another defensive shot from Watson, pushed to mid on from the crease

11.2 Broad to Watson, no run, the off cutter, Watson dead bats it easily, he picked that early out of the hand

11.1 Broad to Watson, no run, fullish and forces Watson to defend it to short leg

10.6 Swann to Watson, 1 run, whipped away to deep square

10.5 Swann to Watson, no run, dropped by Colly at 1st slip You would not see that many times on a cricket field, Colly dropping a catch, Watson played for the turn, lunged out to defend, a thick outside edge flew straight to slip and straight out, looks like Colly was not expecting the edge, hits the palms and goes to ground, would have been a good wicket for Swann and another wicket in his 1st over of a spell

10.4 Swann to Watson, no run, flat and turns back in, Watson rocks back and defends solidly

10.3 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting lunges out and defends it past silly point for an easy single

10.2 Swann to Ponting, FOUR!!, too full from Swann, Ponting got forward, to the pitch and just creamed an on drive past the non-striker and wide of mid on, lovely shot, timed superbly too

10.1 Swann to Ponting, no run, Ponting gets forward and works it to short mid wicket

A slip, silly point, a short leg and a short mid wicket in place for Ponting

Graeme Swann, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

9.6 Broad to Watson, no run, pitched up outside off, nicely driven back with a full face to Broad

9.5 Broad to Ponting, 1 run, nudged wide of short leg, Ponting will get off strike, and that should comfort him

9.4 Broad to Ponting, no run, Ponting is really feeling the heat, the right hand comes off as he tries to fetch a pull from outside off, he was early into the shot and the under edge rams onto the back leg

9.3 Broad to Watson, 3 runs, another good straight drive by Watson, who does not time it that well, goes straight down the ground, Finn keeps it to 3

9.2 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson is looking very good, gets forward and dead bats it comfortably

9.1 Broad to Watson, no run, solidly defended off the front-foot

The umpire, Billy Doctrove got together after the end of the over and had a word with Watson. Ponting too got involved to cool down things. Anderson was seen pointing a finger at Watto and saying something to Ponting. All is well in the end though...

8.6 Anderson to Watson, 1 run, Watson gets his front leg far too across and almost lands himself in trouble, jabbed away off the inner edge to square leg

8.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, a bit of a verbal between Anderson and Watson after Watson let one go outside off, both had a few words to say to each other

8.4 Anderson to Watson, 4 runs, An all run 4! back of a length outside off, chopped away hard into the ground, the fielder chases it and keeps it back in play, but it is quite a long boundary out there, so they push hard and come back for the 4th, not the 1st time we have seen that in this game

8.3 Anderson to Watson, FOUR!!, Picture perfect! If you pitch it up to Watson, he will cream you like that, a high front elbow, the full face of the bat and the ball screams straight down the ground, lovely to see, Watson bent his knee too play an awesome straight drive

8.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, nice carry through to Prior, good bounce for Anderson, it might have hit a crack and then flown through, well left by Watson

8.1 Anderson to Watson, no run, pitched up and outside off, Watson lifts his bat and lets it go

7.6 Broad to Ponting, no run, attacking the stumps, right on off pole, Ponting gets back and across, before defending it uncomfortably back to Broad, Ponting looks a tad nervous out there

7.5 Broad to Watson, 1 run, turns it to square leg, wide of the mid wicket fielder, easy single

7.4 Broad to Watson, FOUR!!, Watson is off the mark finally off his 24th ball, full ball down the leg side, easy for Watson, who glances it fine, raced away

7.3 Broad to Watson, no run, close leave, a brave leave, nips back in from a back of a length area outside off, Watson shoulders arms, it was much closer to the off stump than he thought, but no damage done

7.2 Broad to Watson, no run, nice drive to silly mid off, but straight to the fielder, Watson really timed that well

7.1 Broad to Ponting, 1 run, short ball aimed at the ribs, Ponting swivels and half pulls/half swats it to backward square leg

Welcome back for what should be the final hour of play, or is it? Are we in for any more twists and turns? Let's see.

That was a good passage of play for the English. They have made the ball talk and have dismissed Kat. Punter looks uncertain early on and a couple of quick wickets after tea could well set the cat among the pigeons in the Australian dressing room. It could be one hell of a final session and do join us shortly for that...

6.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, a solid defensive shot from Watson, to end the session. It's tea on day 5, still Aus have a lot of work to do if they are to feel safe

6.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, beauty, real peach, hits the crack again, straightens after that, then zips past the outside edge, Watson was playing inside the line and he was lucky that he did not edge that, close to hitting the top of off too

6.4 Anderson to Watson, no run, fullish on the stumps, on driven well, but straight to the fielder at mid on

6.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, in the channel outside off, left alone

6.2 Anderson to Ponting, 5 runs, Horrid stuff from KP and Anderson is none too impressed, tapped to backward point, KP ran in and let go a wild throw, well wide of the stumps and the backing up man had no chance despite a dive, 4 extra runs gifted to Ponting

3 slips, a gully, a short leg, short mid wicket in place for Punter

6.1 Anderson to Ponting, no run, That one stayed down, but it was outside off, Ponting crouched low and defended it well, it hit the crack too

5.6 Broad to Watson, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, Watson shoulders arms, end of a fine over from Broad

5.5 Broad to Ponting, 1 run, very uncomfortably done, awkwardly in fact, good bowling, angled short into the ribs, Ponting went back and looked to turn it, it went off the glove, onto the ribs and lobs well wide of short leg, Ponting is off the mark

5.4 Broad to Ponting, no run, the slow bouncer that Ritchie Benaud was talking about, Ponting ducked under that quite early, it looped over his head

5.3 Broad to Ponting, no run, there comes the bouncer, but down the leg side, Ponting lets it go easily

Three slips await Punter, a deep square is there for the pull/hook

Ricky Ponting, right handed bat, comes to the crease

5.2 Broad to Katich, out Caught by Strauss at 1st slip!! Very good bowling! Kat is gone! back of a length and on the off stump, Katich poked at it tentatively off the backfoot, no real feet movement, just a nervous prod, the thick edge flies to Strauss who makes no mistake, England have tasted early blood here, now the pressure is on Punter who walks in just before tea. Katich c Strauss b Broad 4(16)

Broad to Katich, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

5.1 Broad to Katich, no run, Katich gets forward and defends it to mid on with a closed face of the bat

4.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, good ball! nearly caught the edge, keeping it outside off, with a lot of pace, Watson was expecting the ball to swing back in, it held it's line and beat Watson as he played inside the line, the ball flies to Prior

4.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, Watson gets forward and dead bats a length ball on off stump

4.4 Anderson to Watson, no run, another leave by Watson to a ball outside off

4.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, in the channel outside off, left alone

4.2 Anderson to Katich, 1 run, Katich shuffles across, rolls his wrists and nudges it around the corner to fine leg

4.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, two slips and a gully for Anderson as he steams in, a short ball, targetting Katich's ribs, he fends at it awkwardly, it hits the glove and rolls back dead near his feet

The Barmy Army is out there in large numbers and are making a lot of noise. They are having a good time.

3.6 Broad to Katich, wide, 2nd bouncer which is over head high and Dar calls it a wide, the umpires have been very consistent with their ruling on that call

3.5 Broad to Katich, no run, this is good bowling, attacking Katich around that off stump line, Katich is assured in defence this time

3.4 Broad to Katich, no run, full on off stump, Katich gets forward and defends it with a touch of uneasiness, just softly dabbed to the off side

3.3 Broad to Katich, no run, back of a length and straightening outside off, Katich shoulders arms

3.2 Broad to Katich, no run, angling in from a back of a length area, on middle, Katich nudges it softly to the on side

3.1 Broad to Katich, no run, the bouncer, too high, Katich ducks under that easily

2.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, tight leave from Watson, it nipped back in, Watson knew where his off stump was and lets it go, close, but not close enough, Anderson has a stare at Watson who responds in kind

2.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, angled in from wide of the crease, full, Watson shows the full face of the bat and pushes it to mid on

2.4 Anderson to Watson, no run, no appreciable swing or movement off the seam for Anderson, Watson defends with an open face to the off side

2.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, sucker ball outside off, full, Watson shoulders arms, it does not carry to Prior

2.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, Anderson is making Watson get onto the front-foot, he is making him play too, blocked by Watson

2.1 Anderson to Watson, no run, on a length on off stump, Watson presses forward and defends

1.6 Broad to Katich, no run, another confident, solid and a durable defensive backfoot block by Katich

1.5 Broad to Katich, no run, back of a length on off stump, Katich defends without any fuss off the backfoot

1.4 Broad to Katich, 2 runs, Aus are away! Katich gets forward and steers it with soft hands, wide of gully and placed to the right of backward point, for a couple

1.3 Broad to Katich, no run, angles one in fuller on middle, Katich wrists it from the crease to mid on

1.2 Broad to Katich, no run, Nearly gone, oh so close! no where close to the outside edge, but it whooped away off the seam, rising and lifting out of a back of a length area, Katich played away from the body, it missed the edge by at least 2-3 inches

1.1 Broad to Katich, no run, Broad goes round the wicket straightaway, Katich hops back to dead bat it with confidence, it was a back of a length ball on off stump

Three slips and a gully for Broad

Stuart Broad, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, a probing MAIDEN OVER!! from Anderson, nothing alarming, but making the batsman play all the time, Watson blocks off the front-foot

0.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, swung in the air, fullish on off stump, Watson defends well, with a full face back to Anderson

0.4 Anderson to Watson, no run, much more confident and a solid block from Watson, off the backfoot

0.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, Watson was late on that, but did well to get back and drop it dead, it swung back just a tad

0.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, nips back in a tad, fuller on off, Watson covers it well and defends

Watson and Katich are at the crease. Watson is on strike. Anderson will open the attack

Right then England are in a huddle, the Aussie openers walk out. This should be a good 41 overs of play.

England would be looking to inflict a few crushing blows by taking a few early wickets and deflate the already mentally tired Australians who have been made to toil in the field for long hours. Can they chip away with a few or will Australia quietly shut shop? Join us shortly for the reply.

Interesting Stat: This is the first time Mitchell Johnson has gone wicketless in a Test match.

151.6 North to Trott, no run, gets forward and dabs it back to the bowler as Strauss calls them in, so the declaration has come finally, what a sensational partnership it has been from Cook and Trott!

151.5 North to Cook, 1 run, tossed up on the pads, tucked wide of mid wicket for a quick single

147.2 North to Trott, 1 run, bunts it wide of short mid on for an ambled single

147.1 North to Trott, no run, spins back into middle, tucked to short mid wicket

Marcus North [16.0-3-39-1] is back into the attack

146.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed through quicker outside off, Cook shapes for the cut but misses

146.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and blocks

146.4 Doherty to Cook, byes, FOUR!!, the wheels are coming off the Aussie bowlers! Doherty fires a wayward delivery down leg, spare a thought for Haddin who has been made to look like a poor keeper thanks to such poor stuff dished out by Doherty and Johnson

146.3 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, dances down the track and BANG! Didn't get to the pitch of the ball but he went through with the stroke and got it up and over mid on, super shot

144.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, rocks back into the crease and cuts it straight to point

144.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, looks to play the fine paddle but Doherty darted it full and way down leg

144.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and plays it back down the pitch

143.6 Watson to Trott, no run, slower delivery on off, eased to point

143.5 Watson to Trott, no run, makes a bit of room and dabs it straight to gully

143.4 Watson to Trott, FOUR!!, they are turning on the screws here! This is absolute carnage says Tony Greig and boy! I agree, shows the full face of the bat and lofts him nice and clean over the bowler's head, one bounce into the boundary

143.3 Watson to Trott, no run, opens the bat face and dabs it to point

143.2 Watson to Cook, 1 run, dropped by Ponting at 1st slip, Cook went for the big booming drive but was late on the shot, Punter went to his right, got a hand on that, it did not stick, very tough chance

143.1 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, what a welcome to the bowling crease, take that Watto, says Cook! Rocks back and pulls him with disdain in front of square, a couple of bounces into the deep mid wicket boundary!

Shane Watson [13.0-2-50-0] is back into the attack

142.6 Doherty to Trott, FOUR!!, delightful on-drive from Trott! Gets to the pitch of the ball and strokes it superbly, shows the full face of the bat and generates the power using his bottom hands, no chance for the fielder, superb stuff this from England, they are pressing on here and their fans break into one of their catchy anthems!

142.5 Doherty to Cook, leg byes, 1 run, sweeps and misses, he was struck full on the pads but the umpire reckons Cook was struck outside the line of the stumps

142.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, tucked to short leg, good stop by Katich

142.3 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, aggressive intent from Cook, surely the declaration is coming! Dances down the track and smacks it back past the bowler, it was too quick for mid off who didn't move an inch!

142.2 Doherty to Trott, 1 run, drives it to mid on for a quick single

142.1 Doherty to Trott, no run, fuller delivery on off, squeezed to cover

141.4 Johnson to Cook, FOUR!!, bad ball and it gets the punishment it deserved! Short and wide outside off, Cook frees his arms and slashes that up and over point, superb shot!

141.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, cracked away off the frontfoot, straight to cover, the ball made a sweet sound as it came off the bat

141.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, flicks a fuller delivery on the pads to short mid wicket

141.1 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, hops across and whips it away to deep square leg

140.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flicked uppishly but lands just short of Ponting at short mid wicket, he did well to get underneath the ball but wasn't able to get his fingers completely under the ball, after a lot of deliberation, the umpires rule it 'not-out'

Looks difficult for the third umpire to give that out, replays look inconclusive, Warne reckons that it can't be given out, too much doubt. The third umpire has thrown it back to the onfield umpires who are having a long discussion

Umpires are referring it upstairs to check if Ponting took it cleanly at short mid wicket

140.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, backs away to cut, but finds point, he cant find the gap at the moment

140.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker one on middle, Cook stretches forward and turns it to short mid wicket

140.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, rocks back and cuts it straight to the point fielder

140.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, shapes for the cut but was done in by the late spin back in

140.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, deflects off the pad to slip, sweeps and misses

139.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, solidly behind the line of the ball as he plays it to the off side

139.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, driven back to Johnson who threatens to throw it back to Trott but he didn't collect the ball cleanly

139.4 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, he unravels a fierce pull but finds the man at deep mid wicket

139.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, crunched using the full face of the bat to mid off

139.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, this time Haddin dives full length to his right to stop that, full and sliding down leg again!

139.1 Johnson to Cook, byes, FOUR!!, how cruel is that! It was a shocker of a delivery, down leg and that was slanting further away from a diving Haddin, poor stuff from Johnson, the quicker he is taken off the attack, the better for the mentally drained Aussies

138.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, quicker through the air on middle, defended to square leg

138.2 Doherty to Trott, no run, plays it straight to point

138.1 Doherty to Cook, 3 runs, runs are coming with ease now, it was a tossed up delivery on off, Cook just eased down the wicket, got to the pitch of the ball and caressed it superbly into the gap at deep extra cover, lazy elegance from Cook but that is what makes left handers look really good when in form

137.6 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, as good as it gets! Wasn't a bad delivery by any means, it was a length ball on middle and leg, Trott used his supple wrists to whip that away wide of mid wicket, tremendous timing and even better placement, wow! VVS Laxman would have been delighted after looking at that

137.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, tickles it behind the keeper as they get across for a quick single

137.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, crunched off the frontfoot to point

137.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, looks to pull but withdraws from the stroke after seeing the ball climb on him

137.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, gets half forward as he pushes it to short cover

137.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, good bouncer, one of the best balls that he has bowled today, hits the deck hard and kicks from middle, Cook does well to sway under that with ease

136.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, spins away a touch from middle, punched back to the bowler

136.5 Doherty to Trott, no run, quicker one on the stumps, Trott gets across and defends it with soft hands

136.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, gives him the charge, Doherty saw that and fired it in, Trott was unable to get under the ball properly

136.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, quicker delivery, on the shorter side on off, eased to backward point

136.2 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, turned with the spin to mid on for a pacy single, the fielder was late to move forward

136.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, sweeps and misses, struck on the pad but he was well outside off

135.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, bowls an off cutter that pitches on middle and moves away, Trott gets across a touch and dabs it back to the bowler

135.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, driven straight to mid off, chances a scampered single and manages to make it back in pretty comfortably in the end

135.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, gets forward and strokes it through the line to mid off

135.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, lovely flick of the wrists, it was timed well but Watson stopped it well at square leg

135.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, punched back to the bowler who does well to stretch his hand out and stop that on his follow-through

135.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, rubbish from Johnson, sprays it way down leg, straight to the keeper

134.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, drifting into middle, Trott is well forward as he plays it back down the pitch

134.5 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, opens the face of the bat slightly and runs it wide of point for an easy single

134.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, stretches forward and turns it to short mid wicket

134.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter one on middle, tucked to mid wicket

134.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed through quicker on the stumps, Cook plunges forward to defend

134.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, looped up on middle, Cook gets forward and turns it to mid wicket

133.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, tight in defense, shows the full face of the bat as he blocks

133.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, solid punch to the cover fielder, nicely behind the line of the ball

133.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, full and far too wide outside off, Trott reaches out for it to squeeze that away but misses

133.3 Johnson to Trott, 2 runs, nicely driven into the gap between cover and cover point, not timed off the middle but enough to steer it into the gap

133.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, length ball that pitches on middle and moves away, punched back down the pitch

133.1 Johnson to Trott, no run, pitched up and angled across Trott who lets it go

Welcome back

The Australian attack has been put under the hammer by Cook and Trott as they went about in their merry way, picking the runs with ease to put England into a position where they can force a declaration midway through the 2nd session. Trott was given a life by Clarke who dropped a dolly at slip, but Cook went on to become only the 12th Englishman to score a double ton against Australia, while Trott got past his 4th Test ton. The wicket seems to have nothing in it for the bowlers, but having said that, the credit must also go to Cook and Trott for the grit and determination they have shown. It wasn't a free flowing innings from Cook by any means, it was more of a measured knock, much like how Tendulkar battled his way to an unbeaten 241 at Sydney in 2004. This knock should certainly lift the entire England team as well as thousands of Barmy Army fans who have trooped into Australia to watch some exciting cricket. Join us at 8:10 AM IST for the post lunch session. The game has been saved, but it remains to be seen how long will England carry on. See you all in a bit!

132.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook leans forward to defend it back to Doherty and that is lunch on day 5 too. Another session which has been won comprehensively by England, the big question is whether will they try to force a result by declaring after lunch?

132.5 Doherty to Trott, 3 runs, Yes he can! gets back and whips it wide of mid wicket, pushes hard for the third and makes it back, 4th ton for Trott, 2nd against Aus, back to back tons too, the Barmy Army cheer, there are not many Aussie supporters in the ground today, raises his bat, removes his helmet and soaks in the applause, well played Trotty!

132.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, tossed up on middle, Trott eases a drive to mid off

132.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, this time defended off the backfoot

132.2 Doherty to Trott, no run, gets forward and defends this one

132.1 Doherty to Trott, 2 runs, good running from Cook as Trott whip/swats one to deep mid, it was in the gap and Cook came back for the 2nd

Could be the last over before lunch, can Trott get to a ton?

131.6 North to Cook, no run, and again, easily done by Cook, there is nothing in this 'flat Gabba road!'

131.5 North to Cook, no run, Cook leans forward and displays his solid defensive technique

131.4 North to Trott, 1 run, too short from North, Trott goes on the backfoot and whips it to mid wicket

131.3 North to Cook, 1 run, turns it to short mid wicket, wide of the fielder too, easy single

131.2 North to Cook, no run, well far forward and defending is Cook

131.1 North to Cook, no run, gets forward and defends a full ball on the stumps

130.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, leans forward and defends

130.5 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, There it is, 200 for Cook , almost a run-out there, low full toss darted down the leg side, Cook clipped it to the right of short fine, the fielder dived, but Cook after the initial jitter came through, the 12th Englishman to get a double ton against Aus, the 6th Englishman to do so in Aus, 1st double for Cook and 1st since Colly did so at Adelaide in 06-07, what a turnaround for Cook

The Barmy Army boo Punter as he talks to Doherty before setting the field

129.6 North to Cook, no run, leans forward, closes the face of the bat a tad early, a leading edge falls well in front of the bowler, no alarms there

129.5 North to Cook, 2 runs, The Barmy Army think that is Cook's 200, but he moves to 199 with another of those lovely lungy cover drives, past short cover

129.4 North to Cook, FOUR!!, again North looked to toss it up, but it turns out to be a high loopy full toss, Cook waits for it and then hoicks it to deep mid wicket, a gift that for Cook, real hit me ball and Cook put it away

129.3 North to Cook, no run, well tossed up outside off, inviting Cook to drive, he does and finds short cover

129.2 North to Cook, FOUR!!, a bottom edge of an attempted late cut, Cook went back, it took the edge and ran past the slip, beating backward point too, Cook moves into the 190s

129.1 North to Cook, no run, Cook leans forward to defend

128.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, Trott makes a bit of room, drives well, but finds cover this time

128.5 Doherty to Trott, no run, floated full outside off, Trott eases a drive to short cover

128.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, drifted in to middle, Trott works it to short mid

128.3 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, takes it from outside off and works it with the spin wide of short mid wicket

128.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and drives it back to Doherty

128.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook goes back and keeps the full ball out with a sturdy defence

127.6 North to Trott, no run, beaten!, Trott pushed at it, it straightened outside off, Trott is lucky that he did not edge that one

127.5 North to Trott, no run, flat and skidding on, Trott gets back to block

127.4 North to Trott, no run, turned to short mid wicket from the crease

127.3 North to Trott, no run, Trott gets to the pitch of the ball and defends

127.2 North to Trott, no run, forward defence from Trott

127.1 North to Trott, no run, Trott defends, it seems that it is spinning back slowly to the stumps, but Trott is there to see it does not happen

126.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook gets the bat and pad close together and smothers a ball which was outside off

126.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up and spun back in a tad, Cook prefers to block

126.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, turns it to short mid wicket

126.3 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, Top shot! Cook comes on the frontfoot, is to the pitch of the ball, that's what Aus want Cook to do, this time he drives expertly against the spin, caresssing it into the large gap at cover, Cook has not put a foot wrong today

126.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, solid forward defence from Cook

126.1 Doherty to Trott, 1 run, drifted in to middle, then straightens, Trott went to whip it away, closes the face of the bat too early, a leading edge goes to gully, no damage done

125.6 North to Cook, 2 runs, short and outside off, Cook rocked back to cut that hard square of the wicket for a couple

125.5 North to Trott, 1 run, pushes it to mid off, knows Sid is a little deep and makes it

125.4 North to Trott, no run, lunges forward and gets some bat pad, he made sure he smothered it though

125.3 North to Trott, 2 runs, swept from outside off to fine leg, takes on Hilfy and makes it easily in the end

125.2 North to Trott, no run, flighted delivery on off, Trott blocks from the crease comfortably

125.1 North to Trott, no run, tossed up on off stump, Trott gets forward and defends

Marcus North [12.0-2-22-1] is back into the attack

124.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, turns it to short mid wicket to give X a maiden over

124.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, flighted delivery on off, Cook gets forward and drives it to mid on

124.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed through outside off, Cook was late on the cut, it scooted through and landed in Haddin's gloves, Cook is beaten for once on his favorite shot

124.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up outside off, Cook gets forward and eases it to backward point

124.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook goes for the sweep, it was full outside off, Cook missed

123.6 Watson to Trott, no run, back of a length outside off, Trott arches back and steers it to the off side

123.6 Watson to Trott, wide, a head high bouncer, well over the head in fact and rightly called a wide

123.5 Watson to Trott, no run, back of a length outside off, Trott is cramped for room as he looks to cut, chopped to gully

123.4 Watson to Trott, no run, Trott comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to silly mid on

123.3 Watson to Trott, 2 runs, too straight on the stumps, Trott gets back and whips it to fine leg for another easy couple

123.2 Watson to Trott, FOUR!!, Nothing is going right for the Aussies and especially for Watson, Trott pushed forward to defend, the ball straightened a tad, it took the outside edge and went past the lone slip, raced away, Watson walks away with a dejected look on his face

123.1 Watson to Trott, no run, full ball on off, Trott gets forward and drives with no timing to mid off

122.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, shortish and turning in, Cook rocks back to cut, is too close to him, punches it in the end

122.5 Doherty to Cook, byes, FOUR!!, And again! but a lot fuller, it hits the rough, Cook was looking to work it away, but it gripped past his bat and pad, slid down the leg side, Haddin again is rooted to his ground, does not move across and the 400 is up for England, these last 2 balls have really done something

122.4 Doherty to Cook, byes, FOUR!!, Woah! That ripped out of the crack, Cook moved to cover the spin, went to off, it pitched outside off and spun right across him, Haddin had no chance

122.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, shortish, Cook gets back and defends comfortably

122.2 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, Is this a sign that maybe England are having thoughts about declaring? Cook comes down the track and heaves one to the on side, got it in the middle of the bat and it dribbled away, no one in the deep to as the ball crosses the ropes at deep mid wicket

122.1 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, takes it from outside off and sweeps it to fine leg, a well run couple

121.6 Watson to Trott, no run, chopped hard down to the gully region, Watson is bowling well here

121.5 Watson to Trott, no run, fullish on the stumps, Trott drives hard and finds Punter at silly mid on who palms it over his head, hit along the ground

121.4 Watson to Trott, no run, pitched up on the stumps, Trott eases it to silly mid on

121.3 Watson to Trott, no run, good bouncer that, Trott was late on the pull as it hurried onto him, did well not to time that too well, it does not carry to mid wicket

121.2 Watson to Trott, no run, Trott gets forward and defends, the ball seems to be rolling back to the stumps, but Trott is there and alert to prevent that

121.1 Watson to Cook, 1 run, square driven on the up to sweeper cover, brings up the 200 run stand for the 2nd wicket, the Barmy Army and the England side stand up and cheer loudly, fabulous stand this between these 2

120.6 Doherty to Trott, FOUR!!, That's how you play the late cut, quicker one outside off, skidded on, Trott played that late, almost took it from Haddin's mitts, came down delicately on that and got it wide of Mitch at backward point, KP liked it, has a huge smile on his face

120.5 Doherty to Trott, no run, well tossed up outside off, Trott drives hard, away from the body, but finds short cover

120.4 Doherty to Trott, FOUR!!, fraction short and that's all Trott needs, just eased back and opens the face of the bat to steer it wide of backward point, once it beat Mitch it was 4 all the way, magnificent timing on that one from Trott

120.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, little bit more flight from Doherty, slower and Trott was early into the off drive, mistimed back to Doherty

120.2 Doherty to Trott, no run, Trott chips down, is not to the pitch of the ball, adjusts and defends

120.1 Doherty to Trott, no run, fired in quick on the stumps, Trott defends

119.6 Watson to Cook, no run, Watson is attacking the stumps, Cook is up to it, defending it, pushing it with soft hands to the off side

119.5 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length on off, Cook gets back and defends

119.4 Watson to Cook, no run, good fielding from Pup at a widish slip, dives to his left and saves some runs as Cook edged one on the bounce to him

119.3 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, A misfield from North at cover gives Cook his highest test score, what a magnificent shot that is, leant into the cover drive and eased it on the up, North could not bend down low, it went past him and raced away, terrific timing and beautiful feet position from Cook that time, he is timing them beautifully all innings

119.2 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, anything short and wide outside off, Cook will cut you at will, not too short, but enough width for Cook to arch back and power it hard into the ground, to the left of Huss at gully, he went to his left, but could not cut it off

119.1 Watson to Cook, no run, starts off from round the wicket and keeps it on a good length on off stump, Cook defends from the crease

Shane Watson [10.0-2-34-0] is back into the attack

118.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, flatter on off, push driven to cover, straight to the fielder

118.5 Doherty to Trott, no run, goes on the backfoot and whips it to mid wicket

118.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, and again, Trott leans forward to block a full ball on the stumps

118.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, drifting in to middle, Trott smothers the spin

118.2 Doherty to Trott, no run, Doherty comes round the wicket, tossed up on off, Trott gets forward and defends

118.1 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, spins back in off the rough, Cook goes back, gets a thick inner edge, that flies wide of short leg, it was in the air, but well out of reach of the man

Xavier Doherty [18.0-3-52-0] is back into the attack

Drinks are on the field now, it could have been a welcome relief for the Aussies had they gobbled up the chance Trott offered them

117.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, pitched up on off, Trott mistimes a drive to mid off to end a good first half of the session for England!

117.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, bunted off the backfoot to cover

117.5 Johnson to Trott, 5 wides, that could well be the final nail in the coffin for Johnson when it comes to selection for the 2nd Test! Reminds me of Harmison who bowled a shocker to Langer at the same ground 4 years ago, that time it landed in the hands of 2nd slip, this time it is far too wide down leg, no ways could the keeper have got to the ball

117.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, punches a back of a length delivery outside off to point

117.3 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, banged in short on the body, Cook swivels back and pulls it down to deep fine leg

Coming back to the dropped chance, it looked like Clarke grabbed at the ball, wasn't in good position when the ball came to him

117.2 Johnson to Cook, FOUR!!, magnificent stroke from Cook! Short and it had enough width for Cook to free his arms and hammer it away past backward point, the ball bullets into the boundary, Cook marches on!

117.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length outside off, defended to the off side

116.6 Watson to Trott, no run, dear o dear! Clarke drops a sitter at 1st slip! It can't get easier than that, it was almost as if Trott guided it into his hands but Clarke, who would have gobbled that up on any other day was perhaps caught napping, big chance goes begging for the Aussies and the Barmy Army give jeers to Pup who isn't having the best time

116.5 Watson to Trott, no run, opens the face of the bat and dabs it to the man running in from gully

116.3 Watson to Cook, no run, stays back inside the crease as he bunts it to the off side

116.2 Watson to Cook, no run, well forward as he eases a full delivery on off to mid off

116.1 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, it's almost as if Cook has mastered to play that stroke between slip and gully! Prods forward and gets an edge that rolls all along the ground into the third man boundary, the agony piles on for Ponting and his men

115.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, gets it to shape back in from round the wicket, left alone

115.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, back into the crease as he defends it to the off side

115.4 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, runs continue to flow freely! Pokes at the ball away from the body this time, gets a thick edge to the left of the gully fielder, Hussey got a bit of hand to it as he was diving to his left but that wasn't enough to stop the boundary

115.3 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, the more I see him bat, the more I am convinced that he is the best option at No. 3 for England! Delightfully done, gets forward, leans into the drive as the ball meets bat, it was just a gentle push but the timing was top notch, beats a diving mid off fielder to the boundary

115.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, much better, angles it back into middle from round the wicket, defended solidly to the off side

115.1 Johnson to Trott, no run, wayward delivery, shocker! Full and way outside off, Trott doesn't bother to even look at that

114.6 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, not the first time Cook is getting an edge to third man and it won't be the last I am sure! Goes hard at it and the ball rolls between the 2nd slip and gully, no one at third man still, that is quite understandable as Ponting has only one option and that is to attack, Cook continues to chip away at the runs!

114.5 Watson to Cook, no run, flicked off the pad to mid wicket, wrong line but Watson is not lucky that he didn't get picked off there

114.4 Watson to Cook, no run, mistimes a cut to point, it was there to be hit but Cook couldn't take toll of that

114.3 Watson to Cook, no run, play and a miss! Pokes at a full delivery on off, didn't miss it by much

114.2 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length delivery angling into middle, whipped to mid wicket

114.1 Watson to Cook, no run, floats it full on the stumps from round the wicket, Cook gets forward and defends

Shane Watson [8.0-2-25-0] is back into the attack

113.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, short of length on the off stump, Trott gets back and across as he eases that one to the on side

113.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, angles it full and across Trott who is half forward as he defends

113.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, spears it fuller and on the stumps, the ball rips off after hitting a crack, Trott gets a bit of an inside edge that rolls to the on side

113.3 Johnson to Trott, no run, nicely behind the line of the ball as he defends it to short mid on, withdrew the bottom hand off the bat as he played that

113.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, hops across and whips it to the man at mid wicket

113.1 Johnson to Trott, no run, spears it just a touch fuller on off, played to point

112.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angles a full ball on off, Cook hops back and defends it back down the pitch

112.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, feet stuck to the crease as he pushes at it away from the body, rolls to short cover

112.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angles a slower delivery back into middle, Cook read that out of the hand as he defended it with soft hands

112.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, opens the face of the bat and eases a back of a length delivery outside off to point

112.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, in the right channel just outside off, left alone

112.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, edges a tentative push, one bounce to the gully fielder

111.6 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, flicked away off his pad to deep mid wicket as he jogs across for the single

111.5 Johnson to Cook, no run, gets back into the crease as he bunts a short of length delivery outside off to the off side

111.4 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, punched wide of mid on for a quick single

111.3 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length delivery that nips away from the off stump, pushed to short cover

111.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length on off, pushed back to the bowler

Mitchell Johnson [18.0-4-65-0] is back into the attack

110.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, nicely behind the line of the ball as he bunts it back down the pitch

110.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 3 runs, gets to 150 for the third time in his career and this innings should put to rest all questions about his form and his place in the side, which was under the hammer! Leans forward and caresses it beautifully into the gap past cover, delightfully done!

110.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, good length delivery outside off, left alone

110.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, that is a jaffa! It ripped through Cook and cut him into half! Pokes at the ball away from the body and the ball darted back in and moved through the gap between bat and pad, ever so close to the inside edge, that is the closest the Aussies have come to taking a wicket this morning

110.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, gets forward and eases a pitched up delivery outside off to cover point

110.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, tucked away off his hip to mid wicket

Ponting is having a mini conference at the moment with Hilfy and Johnson. Ian Chappell is least impressed with the Aussies this morning

109.6 Siddle to Trott, FOUR!!, edged but this time it flies a lot more square off the splice of the bat, went hard at that and the bat face turned in his hand, this time it goes to the right of the man at gully, result the same, good over for England, they are piling it on here

109.5 Siddle to Trott, FOUR!!, streaky boundary! It was full on off and he went after that, only managed a thick edge that rolled between the slip and gully cordon, no one at third man and Trott gets 4 handy runs into the kitty

109.4 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, a misfield at short mid off allows them the single, that is just not pardonable, all the pressure built up is lost by concedings easy runs like that

109.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, pushed back to the bowler using the full face of the bat

109.2 Siddle to Trott, 1 run, rolls off the inner half of the bat past square leg, the ball nipped back in this time and Trott pushed just outside the line of the ball

109.1 Siddle to Trott, no run, spears it full and on the off stump, Trott is half forward as he defends it to the off side

A long discussion between Siddle and Ponting

108.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, pitched up on off, Cook puts in a long stride forward and defends

108.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, leans forward and strokes it straight to the cover fielder, was struck well but couldn't pierce the gap that time

108.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, on the shorter side this time, Cook gets back and blocks it solidly to short cover

108.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, floats a fuller delivery on the stumps, defended with a straight bat to the on side

108.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, lovely delivery, spears it full and across Cook who is drawn forward a touch, lets it go in the end

108.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, nips away off the seam from the good length area on off, bunted to cover point

107.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, driven back to the bowler

107.5 Siddle to Cook, 3 runs, that is a crunching cover drive, good foot movement as well, leans forward, the elbow is nice and high as the bat meets the ball, caressed through extra cover, delightful to see shots like that

107.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, nips away off the seam from outside off, left alone

107.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, that's more like it, fuller length outside off and making the batsman stretch forward, Cook lets it go

107.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, gets back into the crease and punches it to cover

107.1 Siddle to Cook, FOUR!!, fortune favors the brave and Cook is living a charmed life today! First time it was an edge that rolled between slip and gully, this time he pulls and gets a thin inside edge that rolls past keeper into the fine leg boundary, runs nevetheless and Cook would accept them with glee!

106.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, gets it to come back in this time, it was full and just a touch outside off, good judgement by Trott to let that go

106.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, good length delivery shaping away from outside off, Trott doesn't bother to poke at that

106.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty outside off, good leave by Trott who looks determined to hang in there, runs are coming in a trickle at the moment

106.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, short of length delivery outside off, zips away off the deck, left alone

106.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, feet rooted to the crease as he pushes at the ball away from the body, rolls to the off side

106.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, short of length on off, Trott turns it to short mid wicket

105.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, bang on target says Slater, gets it to jag back into middle from round the wicket, Cook is cramped for room, dabs it back down to the bowler in the end

105.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, floats it full and just a touch outside off from round the wicket, Cook lets it go

105.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, punched to the point fielder

105.3 Siddle to Cook, FOUR!!, gets the edge and there was a cry of catcccccchhh, but it was into the gap between 2nd slip and gully, genuine edge but Cook is lucky to get a boundary, rolls away towards third man

105.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, tucked away off his hip to mid wicket, Siddle is keeping upto the pace here

105.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, pitches on off and straightens, Cook gets back and dabs it to the off side

104.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, 3 runs, shot of the morning so far! Plants his foot forward and crunches it into the gap between cover and mid off, it was timed well and the long boundary towards that side of the ground allowed Katich to give it chase and hurl it back just before it crossed the ropes, good cricket all around

104.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, short of length delivery just around the off stump, Trott watches it through to the keeper, Hilfenhaus is keeping things tight, maintaining a tight leash

104.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, this time its a lot fuller and on the stumps, Trott shows the full face of the bat and defends it back down the pitch

104.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty outside off, a hint of movement away and Trott shoulders arms

104.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, fishes at a short delivery angling away from outside off, was late on the shot

103.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, gets a good stride forward as he defends it to the on side

103.5 Siddle to Cook, 2 runs, straying into the pads, Cook clips that away nicely into the gap at mid wicket, easy 2 in the end

103.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, play and a miss! Angles a full delivery back in from round the wicket, the ball nipped away off the seam from the off stump, Cook was beaten comprehensively!

103.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, whipped away off his hip to square leg

103.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, full and in the right channel outside off, nips back in just a touch, good leave by Cook

103.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, angles a short ball on the stumps from round the wicket, Cook hops back into the crease and tucks it to mid wicket

102.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, short of length outside off, left alone to end a MAIDEN OVER!!

102.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, lovely delivery, back of a length and just outside off, Trott was in 2 minds, in the end let it through to the keeper

102.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, gets a bit of extra bounce off the deck, Trott withdrew the bottom hand as he negotiated that, rolls to the off side

102.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, jags away off the seam from outside off, left alone

102.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, in the right channel, full and outside off, gets a bit of shape away as well, Trott watches it through to the keeper

102.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, back of a length delivery shaping away from outside off, left alone

Ben Hilfenhaus [26.0-5-75-0] is back into the attack

101.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, nicely behind the line of the ball as he defends it solidly to the off side

101.5 Siddle to Trott, leg byes, 1 run, rapped on the pad as he shuffles across and looks to flick it away, the ball was sliding down leg and they amble across for the single

101.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, Trott was caught on the crease as he played back to a delivery that kept low on the off stump

101.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, gets forward and eases a fuller length delivery outside off to gully

101.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, lovely length ball in and around the off stump, Trott shoulders arms

101.1 Siddle to Trott, no run, floats a full delivery on off, Trott gets forward and defends it to the off side

We are all set to begin

5:00 AM IST: Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the final day's play of the 1st Ashes Test coming to you from 'The Gabba'. One would believe that England have done enough to save the Test match, but don't count the Aussies out just yet. One just can't help but be reminded of December 2006, where in England went into the final day's play at Adelaide having a lead of 97 with 9 wickets in hand, but that day there were 2 magicians called Warne and McGrath who bowled England out in just more than a session to give Australia a dramatic win. They say heroes emerge in the most trying circumstances, so who will step up to the plate for Australia today? Cook and Trott have batted superbly and would like to build on from where they left off yesterday. Will England fancy a declaration? We are not far away from the action. This is Shashank who would be bringing you all the action as it happens along with Srivathsa.

It will be intriguing to see whether England continue their dominance on the final day or will the Aussies fight back and press forward for a win? To know all about that, do join us tomorrow for what should be yet another cracker of a day of this absorbing test match. Until then this is Srivathsa, signing off. See ya and be well!

Strauss fell after his 19th ton, but since then Cook and Trott have ensured that Australia do not come back with a couple of quick wickets. Cook who has been facing a lot of flak and was under pressure before this series, brought out his A game and made a magnificent 14th ton. The Aussies would be disappointed that they did not make any major inroads, but the pitch has flattened out and has become a batting beauty. The 2nd new ball too did not cause any major alarms. Play was called off due to bad light when 7 overs where left in the day. Play will once again start early at 9:30 local, which is 5:00 AM IST.

Well that then is stumps on day 4. A day which has seen England bat out of their skins to put themselves in a position from which they can definitely draw this game. If they push on tomorrow morning, they can set a challenging target for the Aussies and hope for a win. But coming back to today, it was the story of their openers. Strauss and Cook started off with an aim to bat as long as possible and they nearly did so for a couple of sessions.

That's it. The bad light has come into play. The Umpires have decided to walk off. Cook gets a fine reception from the crowd. England team are out there, clapping him and then congratulating him as he soaks in the applause. A similar sort of thing happened on day 2 as well, at least the umpires are consistent with their ruling. And that's good to see. We will back if we have any further play, although it looks heavily unlikely considering the lights are on at the 'Gabba'.

100.6 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, A low full toss outside off, that is a gift for Cook, who gets forward and drives it wide of mid off, placed it past cover as well, raced away, Cook will get another boundary

100.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, turns it to short mid wicket

100.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, that has rapped Cook on the pads, but it has struck Cook outside the line, sharp turn for Doherty, Cook was caught on the crease, but he managed to get outside the line, Dar gets it right, he has been top-class all game save for that LBW decision against Huss

100.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up and on middle, Cook pats it to the on side, no chance of a single again

100.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and defends it back to Doherty

100.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed to cover off the backfoot, cant find the gap

99.6 Watson to Trott, no run, left alone to a ball outside off, another maiden over for Watson

99.5 Watson to Trott, no run, full ball on middle, Trott on drives and finds Punter at silly mid on who wants to catch Cook by surprise with a sly back-handed flick, but Cook is well in his crease and is not going anywhere, Punter does not throw

99.4 Watson to Trott, no run, Trott shuffles across a tad and bunts a length ball on middle to short mid wicket

99.3 Watson to Trott, no run, more defence from the stodgy Trott, off the front-foot

99.2 Watson to Trott, no run, length ball on off stump, Trott is fully forward and defending

99.1 Watson to Trott, no run, Trott gets his front leg far too across, pushes it with a closed face to mid wicket, straight to the fielder

98.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook comes on the frontfoot and blocks a ball outside off

98.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker and turns back in from outside off, Cook looks to whip that away on the on side, misses, struck high on the pad, no danger for Cook

98.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, leans forward to defend a full ball

98.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook gets forward and eases it to short mid wicket

98.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, floated up outside off, left alone by Cook, that did not turn back in

98.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, turns back in on the stumps, Cook defends it back to Doherty

97.6 Watson to Trott, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone by Trott

97.5 Watson to Trott, no run, more defending from Trott who looks non-plussed at the crease, this is getting monotonous now

97.4 Watson to Trott, no run, another forward defence from Trott as he plunges forward to meet that

97.3 Watson to Trott, no run, length ball on off stump, Trott defends with no trouble at all

97.2 Watson to Cook, 3 runs, full, too full in fact on the stumps, Cook clips it past the vacant mid wicket, the ball rolls slowly down to deep mid, they take 3 easily

97.1 Watson to Cook, no run, good ball first up, in the channel outside off, left alone

96.5 Doherty to Trott, no run, turned with the cross bat down to short mid wicket

96.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, defends it off the backfoot as Doherty comes round the wicket

96.3 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, clipped away from middle stump line down to deep square

96.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, short and spinning back in, Cook rocks back to cut it down, can't find the gap

96.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and defends this one

Xavier Doherty [15.0-2-47-0] is back into the attack

95.6 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, really poor bowling from Johnson, short and way down the leg side, Trott just needed to help it down to fine leg, he did so, lapping a pull, beating fine leg quite easily, the 300 is up too

95.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, flicks it to mid wicket, another single, they are milking the bowling now

95.4 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, 50 for Trott and well done, driven to his left and he hares across for the single before the throw comes in, the throw does not hit as well

95.2 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, the short ball isn't proving to be a weapon for Johnson, down the leg side, Trott top edges a pull over Haddin, nearly went all the way, Trott was not in control of that, but still gets a boundary for his efforts

95.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, fullish on the pads, clipped away well down to deep square leg

94.6 Watson to Trott, no run, pitched up outside off, pushed to cover

94.5 Watson to Trott, no run, solidly gets right behind the line and then defends

94.4 Watson to Trott, no run, Australia have no reviews left to challenge that, it was full and sliding down the leg side, Trott shuffles across to clip it and misses, Trott is not happy at himself, chastises himself up with something of a mutter, he reckons it was a 4 ball and needed to be put away, it was clearly going down leg though

94.3 Watson to Trott, no run, Watson keeps it on the off stump, Trott is rock solid in defence though

94.2 Watson to Trott, no run, back of a length and outside off, Trott chops it hard into the ground

94.1 Watson to Trott, no run, fullish on off stump, Trott covers the off stump and drives it to mid off

Shane Watson [5.0-0-22-0] is back into the attack

93.6 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, Sid has switched off for a little while at mid on and he lets it go through his hands, Punter wont be too happy with that, bunted to him and he allows Trott an easy single

93.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, Johnson keeps it back of a length outside off, Trott lets it go

93.4 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, gets forward and chips a drive in the air, well wide of short cover

93.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, angled one across Cook, who lets it go

93.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, pitch it up Mitch, he does so, forcing Cook to show the full face and push it to mid on

93.1 Johnson to Cook, FOUR!!, fabulous shot, sat up to be hit, Cook kept his eyes on it, rolled his wrists and hammered a pull wide of deep square leg, there were 2 men in the deep for that shot, but Cook made sure that he split the gap to perfection, Cook is oozing with confidence

92.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, Hilfenhaus is tiring now, short ball down the leg side, pulled away well down to fine leg

92.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up outside off, Trott drives it to mid off, good effort to stop some runs from the man

92.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, defended off the backfoot to mid off, an easy single as the fielder is way deep

Cook now pulls away as Hilfenhaus comes in to bowl, Hilfenhaus has to return back to his bowling crease

92.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, tucked to mid on from the crease, Cook is playing them well, covering the swing all the time

91.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, slanted across fuller outside off, left alone

91.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, short ball on the stumps, Cook swivels and pulls it down to fine leg

91.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, bouncer, sails harmlessly over Cook's head, it was outside off as well

91.3 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, clips it from middle stump down to backward square leg

91.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length on off stump, Trott gets right behind the line and defends

91.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, turns it to short mid wicket, takes the quick single

A huge roar from the Barmy Army as soon as the decision came, drinks have been taken as well

90.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, Hilfenhaus has been bowling out-swingers to Trott all over, then suddenly gets this to snake back in, Trott is caught unawares, shoulders arms, it strikes him on the pad, Dar says no, Aus go for the review, Hilfenhaus was convinced that it was out, but replays show that Trott was struck just outside the line of off, another brilliant decision from Dar

Aus have gone for the review and have lost it

90.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, FOUR!!, Trott wanted to let that go, but as he was leaving it, the ball takes the outer edge and runs along the ground past the slip cordon, Hilfenhaus is not happy, Trott has a shrug and then seems to indicate that he wanted to leave it, streaky but Trott will take it

85.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, pitched up on the stumps, Trott drives it back to Siddle, and then shies away as he thinks Siddle will aim at the stumps, but Siddle does not, he is a good guy after all

85.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, full ball and angling into the right hander, Trott on drives without no timing to mid on

85.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, What an effort from Pup at backward point, moves to his left in a flash, gets under a cut shot, clasps it with his left hand, has it in his grasp until the elbows hit the ground, then it pops agonizingly out, Pup had it all the while, but just slipped out of the finger tips, Trott survives

85.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, wider of off stump, Trott lets it go

85.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, back of a length and on off stump, Trott moves towards the off stump and dead bats it solidly back down the pitch

85.1 Siddle to Trott, 2 runs, he is so good on the on side, shuffles across a tad, whips it off the ribs to fine leg for an easy couple

85.1 Siddle to Trott, wide, a harsh call from Billy Doctrove that, calls a head high bouncer a wide, Trott ducked under that, Siddle is not impressed by that

84.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, this one comes back in, Cook sees it like a hawk, knows that it is not hitting the off stump, lets it go

84.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length and outside off, once more left alone by Cook

84.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

84.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, nice forward defence from Cook, covering the line and blocking it back to Hilfenhaus

84.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, wide and angling away from outside off, Cook threw his bat at it, he did not reach it, he had no chance

84.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, swings back in to middle, Cook gets forward and pushes this one to mid on

83.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, bouncer, but it sails harmlessly wide of off stump, Trott leaves that easily

83.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, good fielding from Sid on his follow-through, driven back firmly, he stretches out his right hand to stop some runs

83.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, Trott watches it go through to Haddin as it is once again outside off

83.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, As soon as I type that he is looking solid, he fishes at a ball that straightens outside off and gets beaten, Trott pushed across and played at that, it flew past the outside edge

83.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, solidly defended off the backfoot by Trott, he is looking very calm and composed out there

83.1 Siddle to Trott, no run, back of a length and straightens outside off, Trott lifts his bat and lets it go

82.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, who drags his bat in and lets it go

82.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

82.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, swings back in again, Cook times an on drive, but cant beat mid on

82.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, gets forward and pushes it to mid on, straight to the fielder

82.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, another brave leave from Cook, it is close to the off stump again, Cook leaves it on length, flies to Haddin

82.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, How did that miss the stumps? magnificent swinging delivery, almost bowled Cook as he jammed at it, it was outside off and just missed the off stump, Haddin flies to his right and makes a fabulous save

81.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, loose shot! plays away from the body, back of a length and angling away, Trott is beaten as he looks to force it off the backfoot

81.5 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, gets forward and softly taps it to short mid wicket, quick single taken

81.4 Siddle to Trott, leg byes, 1 run, swings back in, Trott misses out on the flick, it brushes the pads, and rolls to the left of Haddin, a leg bye

81.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

81.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, a deep square is back now, back of a length and rising outside off, Trott rocks back to defend

81.1 Siddle to Trott, FOUR!!, That is more like Gordon Greenidge! short and outside off, Trott swivels and moves across to off, before short arm jabbing a pull to deep square leg, Trott plays those really well, the runs might just flow with the hard new ball

80.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 2 runs, nudges a straight ball from middle through mid wicket for a couple of runs

80.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, FOUR!!, Sid looks to have done some damage to his shoulder, a top edged pull from Cook, he was not in control of that as he played it, it was flying, Sid from fine leg moved to his left, dived forward, but did not get a hand, a very difficult chance, as he dived he might have hurt his shoulder too

80.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, fullish on off, Cook gets forward to defend it back to Hilfenhaus

80.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, swings back in to Cook, it moves down the leg side and hits the pad, sliding down though

80.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, 1 run, full outside off, square driven to cover point, who is a little deep

80.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, left alone

The 2nd new ball has been taken and this is another vital phase of the game. Hilfy has it. Between the overs, the hammer and the cleaver came out to hammer down on the bowler's foot-marks, near the popping crease

79.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, back of a length and on the stumps, Cook gets right behind the line to defend it

79.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, he lets it go

79.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, gets forward and pushes it to mid on

79.3 Siddle to Cook, FOUR!!, Well played Cook! 14th test ton, 2nd in Aus and 4th in 2010, buffet ball for Cook too, short and wide outside off, Cook rocked back to flash a cut past backward point, does not celebrate in an exaggerated way, just removes the helmet and takes in the cheers, Oh he punches the air after that too, missed out on that first time, Trott looks pleased as punch as well

79.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, nudges it to mid wicket, thought about the single, Mitch was there, then sends Trott back, good decision too

79.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, good length line and a good length on off stump, Cook gets forward and defends solidly

Peter Siddle [15.0-2-55-0] is back into the attack

78.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, back of a length on off stump, Trott gets right behind the line to defend and shouts 'wait there, nooooo' to Cook

78.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, FOUR!!, cuts and cuts beautifully, short and wide outside off, enough width for Trott to place a cut past the right of Huss at gully, raced away

78.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no ball, Hilfenhaus oversteps as Trott flicks one to mid wicket

78.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, nips back in from a good length area outside off, left alone by Trott

78.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, good length and coming back in, Trott pushes it to mid on from the crease

78.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, worked away off the hip to the square leg man, who dives to his left to prevent the single

78.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, turns it to square leg, sets off for a quick single and makes it easily in the end, the backing up fielder did well to prevent the 2nd, Cook moves to 99 now

Ben Hilfenhaus [18.0-3-49-0] is back into the attack

Welcome back to the final session of this absorbing test match at the 'Gabba'. The new ball is due in 2 overs and the Aussie quicks would come out charged after the tea break...

Once again England have edged ahead in this session. They lost Strauss, but not before he had made a fabulous 19th test match ton. Trott and Cook since then have put on a 50 run stand in quick time too. Cook has looked quite confident and assured at the crease. North has looked the most threatening of the Aussie bowlers, which shows how well he has bowled. Doherty has been too flat, he is just darting them in. England are in the lead and would be looking to push the score along. Mind you the new ball is due in another couple of overs, so that will give Aus some hope. See you in a short while for the final session....

77.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, fuller length outside off, watches it carefully and shoulders arms, and that will be Tea, another session dominated by England

77.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length on the stumps, tucks it to mid wicket, but goes quickly to the fielder, Cook will have to wait for his century

77.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, fuller outside off, gets forward and drives it to short cover, the fielder dives to his right, palms it to mid off, but they do not take a single

77.3 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length on the off stump, keeps a bit low, gets the bat down in time, pats it to the leg side

77.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, overpitched on leg stump, Cook flicks it to fine leg, but they can only take a single

Last over before Tea

76.6 Doherty to Trott, no run, flatter outside off, pushed to the off side

76.5 Doherty to Cook, 3 runs, short, flatter outside off, stays back and cuts it into the gap at cover point and backward point, Carseldine gives chase and pulls it back just inside the ropes square on the off side, Cook comes closer to his century

76.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter, keeps low outside off, Cook goes for the cut, but the low bounce defeats him

76.3 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, awesome stuff from Cook, full, flatter delivery on the stumps, Cook comes down the track, gets to the pitch, swings across the line, hits it well, goes into the gap at mid wicket, goes to the deep boundary

76.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, full, quicker just outside off, gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler

76.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, stays round the wicket, quicker outside off, dabs it to short cover

75.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, length delivery on middle, dabs it to short cover, shouts a loud NOO for the single

75.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length, shapes away a bit outside off, Trott lets it go

75.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, short of a good length in the zone outside off, easily left alone

75.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, length delivery on middle and off, gets the behind the line nicely and pushes it to mid on

75.1 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length just outside off, covrs the line and defends it back to the bowler

74.6 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, Cook is just blazing away here, short, quick delivery outside off, Cook unfurls the cut again, gets the bottom edge, goes past the fielder at short third man, goes to the third man boundary

74.5 Doherty to Trott, 1 run, quicker on the middle and leg stump, Trott stays right back, closes the face and tucks it to backward square leg

74.4 Doherty to Trott, no run, full, flat delivery, covers the line and dead bats it to the ground

74.3 Doherty to Trott, no run, quicker on the stumps, stays back and defends it to the ground

74.2 Doherty to Trott, no run, full, flatter on the stumps, gets forward and blocks it

74.1 Doherty to Trott, no run, comes round the wicket, flatter delivery pushed through just outside off, Trott stays back and blocks it, slight hint of spin away from the batsman

Xavier Doherty [13.0-2-35-0] is back into the attack

73.6 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, goodish length outside off, gets forward and dabs it to cover point for another easy single

73.5 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, there it is, England have taken the lead, overpitched delivery outside off, Trott comes on the frontfoot, gets down on one knee and cover drives it handsomely to sweeper cover, the Barmy Army celebrates

73.4 Johnson to Trott, no run, good length, slanted across outside off, left alone by Trott

73.2 Johnson to Cook, 3 runs, short delivery outside off, plays it late, cuts it in between the gap at slip and gully, rolls to square third man, Hussey runs, slides and pulls it just inside the ropes, excellent commitment from Mr. Cricket

73.1 Johnson to Trott, 3 runs, overpitched and wide outside off, Trott gets forward, leans into the shot and caresses it wonderfully into the gap at sweeper cover, Carseldine, the substitute, gives chase and they take three runs

72.6 North to Cook, 2 runs, full, flatter on leg stump, gets down and sweeps it to fine leg, goes into the gap and they take another couple, England are doing it very easily here

72.5 North to Cook, 2 runs, quicker, but again short in length outside off, goes back and cuts it to deep backward point, a comfortable couple taken

72.4 North to Cook, no run, flatter, bounces a bit more, cramps Cook for room, cuts it to backward point

72.3 North to Cook, no run, looped up on middle, gets forward and blocks it to the ground

72.2 North to Cook, no run, tossed up, plays it late on middle, converts it into a yorker, dead bats it to the ground

72.1 North to Cook, no run, quicker on leg stump, dabbed to the on side

Simon Katich is off the field - he was hit on the back of the calf by a cracking cut shot from Cook. Kat is getting it iced and will be hoping it is nothing serious.

71.6 Johnson to Trott, FOUR!!, when you flash, flash hard, short, wide delivery outside off, Trott flashes it hard, goes over Hussey at gully, who leaps to his left but cannot reach it, rolls to the third man fence

71.5 Johnson to Trott, no run, fuller on middle and off, dabbed to point

71.4 Johnson to Trott, 2 runs, back of a length on the stumps, Trott stays on the back foot, works it to the gap at mid wicket, takes a comfortable couple

71.3 Johnson to Trott, no run, that is a peach from Mitch, length delivery, hits the crack, darts away sharply outside off, Trott goes for the drive and gets beaten, "Stay in there, Mitch," say the commentators on air

71.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, back of a length outside off, defended to the off side

71.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, back of a length just outside off, plays it late, cuts it hard to gully, Hussey misfields slightly, rolls to backward point

70.6 North to Cook, 1 run, short delivery, again hits the foot marks and spins away wide outside off, cuts it square on the off side

70.5 North to Trott, 1 run, tossed up, fuller in length on the off stump, drives it to mid off, where the fielders cut it off

70.3 North to Cook, 2 runs, tossed up, hits the foot marks and spins away outside off, goes back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a couple

70.2 North to Cook, no run, quicker on the off stump, pushed to short cover

70.1 North to Cook, no run, tossed up just outside off, spins away slowly, gets forward and dabs it to backward point

69.6 Johnson to Trott, no run, short of a good length on the off stump, blocked back to the bowler by showing the full face of the bat

69.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, maintains the bouncer, but this does not bounce much, rolls his wrists underneath the ball, pulls it to backward square leg, thinks about a couple, but they settle for a single

69.4 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, short delivery on the middle and leg stump, stays back and clips it to backward square leg

69.3 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, back of a length just outside off, goes back and dabs it to mid off, sets off for a quick single, the fielder picks it up quickly and has a shy at the bowler's end, had he hit the stumps, it would have been very close

68.5 North to Trott, no run, flighted delivery, given more air and drift outside off, driven to mid off

68.4 North to Trott, no run, flatter on middle and off, goes back and defends it solidly

68.3 North to Trott, no run, looped up, given a bit more air outside off, gets forward and taps it to silly point

68.2 North to Trott, no run, slow, looped up just outside off, gets forward and smothers it to the ground

68.1 North to Trott, no run, tossed up wide outside off, left alone by Trott

67.6 Siddle to Trott, 1 run, full pitched, but bowls into the pads of Trott, he neatly flicks it to fine leg

67.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, fuller length outside off, goes for the drive, closes the bat face a little too early, mistimes it to mid on

67.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, full pitched, almost yorker length, tails in slightly, Trott squeezes it out to mid on

67.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, fuller just outside off, pushed back to the bowler

67.3 Siddle to Trott, no ball, another short ball, goes wayy over Trott's head, no ball given

67.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, Siddle maintains the short pitched stuff, bouncer on the stumps, Trott ducks

67.1 Siddle to Trott, FOUR!!, nicely done by Trott, short delivery on the pads of Trott, shuffles across slightly, uses the pace of the ball and tickles past Haddin and to fine leg

66.6 North to Trott, 1 run, tossed up, spins into Trott, kicks up a bit, he goes back and wrists it uppishly, wide of the short leg fielder, rolls to backward square leg to get off the mark

66.5 North to Trott, no run, full, flatter on the off stump, defended solidly to the ground

66.4 North to Trott, no run, flighted delivery, given a bit more air, gets behind the line and blocks it

66.3 North to Trott, no run, looped up, spins into Trott, he taps it to short leg

Jonathan Trott, right handed bat, comes to the crease

66.2 North to Strauss, out Stumped!! and he strikes, North you beauty! Flighted delivery, Strauss comes down the track, North pushes it a bit wider, the ball spins away slightly from Strauss, he goes for the drive but he misses, Haddin reaches out a bit and whips the bails off as Strauss is just short of the crease, the partnership is finally broken but what an innings from Strauss, take a bow, skipper. Strauss st Haddin b North 110(224) [4s-15]

North to Strauss, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!

66.1 North to Strauss, no run, flighted delivery on middle and off, driven to short cover, he is bowling with a nice loop here is North

65.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, good looking shot, but straight to the fielder, fuller length a little wide outside off, Cook gets forward, drives it to short cover, he reached out a bit to play that

65.5 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, back of a length just outside off, Strauss uses the wrists nicely, works it to backward square leg

65.4 Siddle to Strauss, no run, back of a length on the stumps, stays back and punches it to short cover

65.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, on a length, slanted across slightly wide outside off, Strauss watches it and lets it go, he has to get it a little closer to the off stump

65.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, fuller length on the off stump, gets behind the line, pushes it back to the bowler

65.2 Siddle to Strauss, wide, keeps it short, but strays down the leg side, surprisingly wide given, the Umpires have been really harsh on the wides in this match

65.1 Siddle to Strauss, no run, short, slanted across outside off, Strauss sways out of the line and lets it go

64.6 North to Cook, no run, flat, slightly short outside off, kicks up a bit, mistimes the cut to the off side

64.5 North to Cook, no run, flatter just outside off, pushed to short cover

64.4 North to Cook, no run, edged but does not carry to slip, tossed up just outside off, Cook gets forward, stabs at it hard, gets the edge but it just falls in front of Pup at first slip

64.3 North to Cook, no run, tossed up on the stumps, gets forward and blocks it back to the bowler

64.1 North to Strauss, no run, tossed up on the off stump, tapped to the ground

63.6 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, low full toss outside off, Strauss square drives it to sweeper cover, that's drinks as well - another hour which has seen complete domination by England. Are we going to see a repeat of what happened yesterday? when a wicket did not fall for the first two sessions.

63.5 Siddle to Strauss, no run, pitched up outside off, squeezed out to cover, Pup moves to his right, so they don't take the single

63.4 Siddle to Strauss, no run, angled across on a fuller length outside off, Strauss lets it go

63.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, off break from Siddle, he is trying everything here, Strauss rocks forward to block

63.2 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, back of a length on middle stump, Cook gets back and turns it to square leg

63.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, Cook did well not to drive that firmly, he gets forward and checks his drive, it was in the air, but well, wel in front of mid on

62.6 North to Strauss, no run, darted in outside off, Strauss is content to leave it alone, North has suddenly decided to fire them in

62.5 North to Strauss, no run, quicker one on off stump, Strauss is solid in defence

62.4 North to Strauss, no run, pushed through on off stump, Strauss is on the backfoot and defends

62.3 North to Strauss, no run, well outside off, Strauss lets it go, has a wry smile on his face

62.2 North to Strauss, no run, tossed up and some spin for North, Strauss lets it go

62.1 North to Strauss, no run, glances it to short fine leg, straight to the fielder

61.5 Siddle to Strauss, no run, well wide of off stump, Strauss had no chance to play at that, lifts his bat and lets it go

61.4 Siddle to Strauss, no run, angled across Strauss from over the wicket, fuller too, left alone

61.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, length ball on middle, Strauss gets forward to push it to mid on, thinks about a single, then sends Cook back as he sees mid on converging on the ball

61.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, pitched up on off stump, Strauss shows the full face of the bat and drives it to mid off, who is standing a lot straighter

61.1 Siddle to Strauss, no run, two slips and a gully for Siddle as he charges in, bowls one well outside off, Strauss shoulders arms

Peter Siddle [11.0-2-44-0] is back into the attack

60.6 North to Cook, no run, slow turn for North, looped up outside off, Cook lets it go

60.5 North to Cook, no run, leans forward to block

60.4 North to Strauss, 3 runs, Strauss plays a loose shot again, comes down the track, is beaten in the flight, initially he tried to go over mid on, then went over mid off, hit on the bottom of the bat, it goes over X's head and stops near the fence

60.3 North to Strauss, no run, driven to short cover, Punter moves to his right, cuts it off

60.2 North to Strauss, no run, tossed up and turning away, left alone

60.1 North to Strauss, no run, shouts of 'catchhhhhhhh' as Strauss drives away from the body, it goes along the ground to backward point

59.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 4 runs, an all run 4! too straight from Hilfenhaus, on the stumps, Cook shuffles across, clips it away nicely, into the large vacant gap on the on side, they push hard and come back for the 4th, X had to run in a long way from fine leg, so that allowed them to come back

59.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, the off cutter outside off, Cook push drives it to cover, straight to the fielder

59.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, more blocking from Cook, he is being made to play by Hilfenhaus

59.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, Hilfenhaus is aiming for the off stump, Cook is solid in defence though, blocking stoutly

59.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length on off stump, Cook defends solidly to the off side

59.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 1 run, leg stump, not good from Hilfenhaus as Strauss clips one down to fine leg

58.6 North to Cook, no run, leans forward to block this tossed up delivery on the stumps

58.5 North to Cook, no run, now Kat cops one on the right foot, cut away hard to him at silly point, saved a few runs for his side though

58.4 North to Cook, no run, skidded straight on to off stump, Cook cuts it straight to the fielder at backward point, a bit dangerous that

58.3 North to Cook, no run, Cook gets forward and pushes it to the off side

58.2 North to Strauss, 1 run, swept away in the air, Strauss fetched that from outside off, down to deep square leg

58.1 North to Strauss, no run, tossed up and turning away, left alone

Marcus North [4.0-0-7-0] is back into the attack

57.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, probing line in the corridor of uncertainty, Cook tucks his bat inside the line to leave it

57.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, off cutter on off, Cook jabs that down with soft hands on the off side

57.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, good length on middle, tucked to mid on

57.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, slanted across Cook, well outside off, left alone

57.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, Cook had a fish at that, it swerved away from the seam, Cook was drawn into playing that, beaten!

57.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 2 runs, whipped away off the hip once more for a comfortable couple down to deep square leg

56.6 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss goes on the backfoot and keeps it out

55.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, FOUR!!, creamy, sweeeeeeeet! length ball outside off, Cook just moved into the drive, hit on the up, timed superbly, was in the air, but no one moved, raced away, Hilfenhaus was interested for a while, but a top cracker of a shot

55.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 1 run, turns it to mid wicket for another single

55.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, beaten! Strauss fished at a back of a length ball outside off, close to the edge, Hilfenhaus holds his hands on his head

55.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, tucks it to backward square leg

54.6 Doherty to Strauss, FOUR!!, Magnificent from Strauss! What a shot to bring up his 19th ton, 4th against Aus, 7th as captain. fraction short outside off, turned back in, Strauss rocked back, played the late cut to perfection, wide of backward point, superbly cut away, Strauss punches his fist towards the dressing room, the crowd warmly cheer, Strauss is thrilled to bits, England have to thank their skipper, he so easily could have been out for a pair, here he is unbeaten on a 100 and looking good for more

54.5 Doherty to Strauss, no run, good fielding from Doherty, dives to his left and keeps Strauss on strike

54.4 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss chips down and turns it to short mid wicket

54.3 Doherty to Strauss, no run, tossed up and Strauss gets forward to defend

53.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 3 runs, cuts it square of the wicket, played well, waits for it and then put it away, Mitch runs after it and slides to keep it in, the ball rolls back, he keeps his wits about him, does not touch the ropes as he keeps his legs over them, pulls it back in

Shane Warne on air:" I would have got a couple of hundred wickets more had UDRS been available when I was playing. Especially the LBW's with the skidder or the zooter."

53.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, slower off cutter, Cook has all the time to see that and defend

53.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full on off stump, Cook skews an on drive to mid on, the bat face closed as he played that

53.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full on off stump, Cook gets forward and defends it solidly this time

53.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, length ball on off stump, Cook gets back to defend it, he was hopping back awkwardly as he played that

52.6 Doherty to Strauss, no run, huge appeal for LBW, but Strauss was struck outside the line of off, Strauss went for the sweep, struck him full, Aus do not take the review, Dar gets it right again

Mid on and mid off are on the fence, Shane Warne wants them to be in, wants Strauss to take them on and bring up his ton, if he is good enough

52.5 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, swept from outside off down to fine leg, brings Strauss on strike, is Strauss going to take Doherty on and bring up his hundred?

52.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, turns it to short mid wicket

52.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook leans forward and blocks a ball outside off

52.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, fullish on off stump, Cook is nicely forward in defence

52.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, if there was no edge, Cook was gone, turned in from outside off, Cook looked to whip it away, got an inside edge onto the pads

51.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, solid, getting fully forward to meet the ball on off stump

51.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, FOUR!!, more luck for Strauss! good bowling, gets it angle across Strauss, Strauss was looking to defend, it ran away off the outer edge between the slip cordon and the gully fielder, Punter is on his knees for the 2nd time in the over

51.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 2 runs, fullish on the stumps, Strauss clips it nicely to deep square leg, no one there, moves into the nineties

51.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, a more confident leave to a back of a length ball outside off

51.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 2 runs, after the luck went horribly wrong for England yesterday, today it is the turn of Aus to face the music, poor shot, very poor, Strauss tries to fetch a pull from outside off, the ball was well wide of him, the top edge flies tantalisingly over Huss, Pup too ran from cover, neither could get there, the 150 run stand is up between the 2

51.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, pushed across Strauss, who lets it go

50.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook leans well forward to defend

50.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, full, almost yorker length on the stumps, Cook dead bats it

50.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook was looking for the sweep to a ball outside off, realised it is too short and then cut it straight to the fielder at backward point

50.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, fractionally spinning back in from outside off, Cook nudges it to short leg

50.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, well bowled, Doherty fires it in after seeing Cook dance down, Cook blocks

50.1 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, Cook is a bit late on the cover drive, a thick outside edge runs wide of backward point for a couple

49.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, Strauss gets the bat in front of the pad, defends the length ball on leg stump

49.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, fabulously timed by Cook, cover driven, but unfortunately finds cover, straight to the fielder, there is a misfield by North which gives England the single

49.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, slanted away from Cook who shoulders arms

49.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full outside off, Cook leans into the cover drive, but finds cover

49.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, length ball on off stump, Cook comes on the frontfoot and defends solidly

49.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, back of a length, outside off, left alone

48.6 Doherty to Strauss, no run, too full on the stumps, Strauss initially decided to sweep, then changed his mind and blocks

48.5 Doherty to Strauss, no run, goes on the backfoot and defends a length ball

48.4 Doherty to Strauss, FOUR!!, Strauss has decided to take on Doherty, comes down the track, a clean swing of the bat and hitting with the spin as well, goes straight down the ground, one bounce over the ropes, clean hitting by Strauss

48.3 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss skips down, is not to the pitch of it, pads it back

48.2 Doherty to Strauss, no run, too full on off, Strauss pats it back to Doherty

48.1 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, squeezed out to cover, a single

47.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, hint of swing back in for Hilfenhaus, full on the stumps, Strauss eases it back past a diving Hilfenhaus, mid off cuts it off

47.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, on driven to mid on from the crease

47.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, FOUR!!, Top shot! full, too full from Hilfenhaus, Strauss leant forward and drove it wide of mid off, superbly done by Strauss whose cover driving has been a treat to watch all morning, threaded the gap beautifully too

47.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, good stop by the man at cover point, square driven by Strauss, the man dives full length to his right and cuts off

47.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, full ball on off, Strauss gets forward and defends solidly

47.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, length ball on leg stump, Strauss comes on the frontfoot and defends it to mid on

Ben Hilfenhaus [11.0-3-20-0] is back into the attack

46.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flat and a bit of bounce outside off for Doherty, Cook lets it go

46.5 Doherty to Strauss, 1 run, chips down and works it to mid wicket

46.4 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss pre-meditates the paddle sweep, it hits Katich at short leg, Strauss was out of his crease, Kat did not pick it up cleanly, a bit more sharper work would have had Strauss in trouble

46.3 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss goes on the backfoot and punches it to cover, straight to the fielder

46.2 Doherty to Strauss, no run, outside off, padded away

46.1 Doherty to Strauss, no run, gets forward and defends

Welcome back to the 2nd session. England are in control, Australia need a few wickets early on. Strauss and Cook would like to kick on though. Do stay tuned...

England could not have asked for anything better from their openers as they played fearless cricket to wipe out more than half of the deficit. Strauss started cautiously before opening out in the second hour of play as he raced ahead of Cook. Cook, himself was content to play second fiddle, opening up whenever there were opportunities for runs. Aussie bowlers were disappointing as they failed to put pressure on the batsmen and allowed easy runs to be scored. Their woes were mounted when Johnson compounded his already miserable match when he dropped Strauss on 70 off Doherty. England would look for this pair to bat positively while the Aussies would hope to stage a comeback. England, though are not out of jail as yet, but they have taken giant strides towards coming out of it. Do join us at 12:40 local time (8:10 IST) for the start of the second session.

45.6 North to Cook, no run, beautifully bowled, slower, loopier, just outside off, Cook gets forward to defend, then lets it go, that's lunch on day 4 - a wonderful session for the England batters, the Barmy Army are impressed, get up and give Cook, Strauss a standing ovation

Last ball before lunch

45.5 North to Strauss, 1 run, turns it to square leg to give Cook the strike

45.4 North to Strauss, no run, well outside off, easily left alone

45.3 North to Strauss, no run, spin for North, nicely tossed up outside off, turning away, left alone

45.2 North to Strauss, no run, Strauss comes on the frontfoot and dead bats it

45.1 North to Strauss, no run, Strauss gets forward to defend

44.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, leans forward to block

44.5 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, There it is, 23rd fifty for Cook and also his 2nd of the match! Well played, cut away past cover, he slipped while turning back for the 2nd, but still came through safely, solid and durable innings

44.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook gets forward and drives to mid on, cant find the gap again

39.4 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, drives it to mid on, the fielder dives, can only parry it wide of mid off, single taken

39.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, pitched up outside off, left alone

Siddle is coming round the wicket now

39.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, full just outside off stump, Strauss gets forward and lets it go

39.1 Siddle to Strauss, 2 runs, on the pads, clipped wide of fine leg for a couple

38.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, defended off the backfoot

38.5 Doherty to Strauss, 1 run, Disaster for Doherty and Australia! Dropped by Mitch at mid off Strauss comes down the track, is not to the pitch of the ball, still goes through with the shot, Mitch is at mid off, moves to his left, it is over his head, he got both hands to it, could not hold on, he tried to take it on the 2nd attempt, failed too, Barmy Army cheer, the Aussie crowd jeer

38.4 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, works it wide of mid wicket

38.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, too full on off, Cook gets forward and wrists it to mid on

38.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, flat delivery on off, straightens, Cook defends it off the backfoot

38.1 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, change of ends for Doherty, Cook sweeps it to the left of deep square, Sid keeps it to a couple

37.5 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, turns it to square leg to get off strike, this is good batting from Strauss

37.4 Siddle to Strauss, FOUR!!, Strauss is slowly getting into top gear now, half volley outside off, Strauss bent his knee and creamed it beautifully, the length was right there for the shot, Strauss placed it wide of cover and it raced away

37.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, and Strauss responds with a solid forward defence

Now the deep square is in place for the pull/hook

37.2 Siddle to Strauss, 2 runs, fairly controlled pull, Strauss gets a bit of a top edge, but there is no one in the deep, a lap pull for a couple to deep square leg

37.1 Siddle to Strauss, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, outside off, left alone

36.6 Johnson to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, Johnson has a steely glare at Cook after the batter had let it go

36.5 Johnson to Strauss, 1 run, Strauss controls the pull, all along the ground to backward square leg

The leg slip now moves back to deep square

36.4 Johnson to Strauss, no run, short one down the leg side, Strauss moves across to pull, it rolls of the bottom edge down back to Haddin

A deepish short leg and a leg slip for Strauss, Johnson is going to bowl short

36.3 Johnson to Strauss, no run, Johnson changes the angle and comes round the wicket, angles a short delivery outside off, Strauss drops his wrists and lets it go expertly

36.2 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, short ball, Cook swivels to pull it to fine leg

36.1 Johnson to Cook, 2 runs, back of a length on middle, Cook rocks back and punches it past mid on for a couple

35.6 Siddle to Strauss, no run, calmly done to end the over, once again, Strauss comes on the frontfoot and defends, Siddle has bowled an eventful over

35.4 Siddle to Strauss, no run, That is a fabulous come-back from Siddle, bangs it in hard, it rises awkwardly onto Strauss, he does not know where the ball is as he fended at it, it falls in no man's land close in on the off side, the crowd come back to life

35.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, awkwardly left, Strauss was in two minds weather to play at it or leave, just manages to getlet it go at the end

35.1 Siddle to Strauss, FOUR!!, terrific stroke from Strauss, Siddle bowls a half-volley outside off, Strauss lent into a supreme cover drive, no one moved, it was four right from the time it left the bat

Peter Siddle [7.0-2-23-0] is back into the attack

34.6 Johnson to Strauss, 3 runs, good shot, a trifle short outside off, Strauss went onto his backfoot and punches it away wide off mid-off, who gives chase, they take an easy three runs.

34.5 Johnson to Strauss, no run, slower delivery on middle, Strauss gets across and defends it back to Johnson

34.4 Johnson to Strauss, no run, another short delivery rising outside off, Strauss sways away from the line and lets it go

34.3 Johnson to Strauss, no run, short of good length outside off, Strauss lets it go

34.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, back of a length on middle, Cook tucks it to backward square leg

33.6 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, drives it to mid wicket, takes a quick single and retains the strike with that run

33.5 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, Risky, Cook fetches the sweep from outside off, a bit of a top edge but it falls right in the gap at deep square leg, there was square leg back pedalling too, Hilfy had just come in for that ball, Cook has to be wary of sweeping it out of the rough

33.4 Doherty to Strauss, 1 run, swept from middle to fine leg, Strauss reaches his 22ndFIFTY!! and the Barmy Army along with the England side rise up and applaud a gutsy innings from the skipper

33.3 Doherty to Strauss, FOUR!!, that's how you should play the spinners, Strauss comes down the track, gets to the pitch and creams it wide of cover, mid off had no chance too

33.2 Doherty to Strauss, no run, padded away to ball outside off

33.1 Doherty to Strauss, no run, full on off stump, Strauss pushes it back to Doherty

32.6 Johnson to Cook, no run, full on off stump, Cook gets forward and defends it back to Johnson

32.5 Johnson to Cook, no run, sprays it well outside off again, Cook easily lets it go

32.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, well outside off, left alone

32.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, good bouncer from Johnson, well directed too, Cook ducks under that uncomfortably, he was hopping awkwardly

32.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, stifled appeal for a caught behind, but it flicked the shirt on the way to Haddin, it was short down the leg side, missed the bat and the glove

England have done fabulously well to see the first hour out of the way. They have batted positively and put the bad balls away. Both the batsmen look very assured and Australia will be hoping for the pitch to deteriorate quickly as there is not much which is on offer right now for the bowlers.

Drinks are on the field now

31.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed through flat on off stump, Cook gets forward to defend it back to Doherty

31.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook goes back to defend comfortably, no big spin for Doherty so far

31.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, turning back in, Cook shaped for the cut, the turn made Cook to mistime his shot

31.3 Doherty to Strauss, 1 run, Strauss chips down and squeezes it to cover

31.2 Doherty to Strauss, no run, Strauss tucks his bat inside the line, it is outside off, flicks the pad and then Haddin floors the take

31.1 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, tossed up on off, Cook gets forward and drives it to mid on

Xavier Doherty [1.0-1-0-0] is back into the attack

30.6 Johnson to Strauss, no run, bouncer down the leg side, Strauss ducks and lets it go

30.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, pushed to cover from the crease, good running from both Cook and Strauss

30.4 Johnson to Strauss, 1 run, bread and butter that for Strauss, tucking it off his middle stump to backward square leg

30.3 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, turns it to square leg with soft hands, this time Cook calls Strauss for the easy single

30.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, the bouncer, rises up on Cook, who tries to keep the pull down by rolling his wrists on it, completely mistime d it to mid wicket

30.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, short of length down the leg side, easily evaded by Cook

29.6 Watson to Strauss, no run, fullish outside off, driven with an open face, just lands short of point, Watson has his hands on his head, a bit streaky from Strauss that time

29.5 Watson to Strauss, no run, probing line outside off, left alone

29.4 Watson to Strauss, no run, this time cut away straight to the fielder at backward point, X does not misfield this time

29.3 Watson to Strauss, no run, Watson now changes to round the wicket, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

29.2 Watson to Strauss, FOUR!!, Watson does not like it, there is a misfield from cover point, the man dived to his right but he lets it go, cut away fiercely too, X is the culprit that time, Punter runs up to Watson and has a word with him

29.1 Watson to Strauss, no run, pushed well wide of off stump, left alone

28.6 Johnson to Strauss, 1 run, straight and a hint of indip, Strauss gets the front leg out of the way and clips it wide of mid on

28.4 Johnson to Cook, 2 runs, a fraction short from Johnson, Cook is quick to rock back and pull it to deep mid wicket, for a couple, Cook timed that well too

28.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, the attempted yorker from Johnson, turns out to be full, Cook eases it from the crease to mid on

28.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, in the zone outside off, straightens too, left alone

28.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length and outside off, Cook forces it off the backfoot straight to the fielder at cover point

27.6 Watson to Strauss, FOUR!!, Top, top shot! Strauss gets forward and crunches a sweeeeeeet cover drive, no one moved as it sped away into the gap, the timing, the poise and the placement were beautiful that time from Strauss, he is looking mighty dangerous now

27.5 Watson to Strauss, FOUR!!, too short and too wide from Watson, Strauss arches back and top edges a cut well over gully, Strauss intentionally cut it up and over, nicely done

27.4 Watson to Strauss, no run, fullish and outside off, Strauss moves across and defends it back solidly to Watson

27.3 Watson to Strauss, no run, Watson is not getting it to nip back in, well wide of outside off, Strauss lets it go

27.2 Watson to Strauss, no run, slanted across Strauss, in the corridor of uncertainty, Strauss lifts his bat and lets it go

27.1 Watson to Strauss, no run, bouncer from Watson, outside off, left alone

26.6 Johnson to Strauss, 1 run, too straight on the stumps, Strauss clips it away with ease to fine leg

26.5 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, the attempted yorker from Johnson, swings in to Cook, Cook shuffles across, closes the face of the bat and just about gets it away to fine leg

26.4 Johnson to Strauss, 1 run, another good short delivery, directed at the ribs, Strauss fends at it in an ungainly fashion, nudged wide of Haddin

26.3 Johnson to Strauss, no run, Strauss gets forward and defends it to cover, wanted the single, but it is straight to Pup at cover

26.2 Johnson to Strauss, no run, back of a length and rising outside off, Strauss shoulders arms

26.1 Johnson to Strauss, no run, good one from Johnson first up, a searing short delivery, a pretty good bouncer too, Strauss had to be quick to sway out of the way, which he was

Mitchell Johnson [2.0-2-0-0] is back into the attack

25.6 Watson to Cook, no run, Oh! Cook is beaten by a ball that kept a tad low, pitched up outside off, Cook played outside the line of the ball, the ball crept under his bat and just about carried to Haddin

25.5 Watson to Cook, no run, pitched up on off stump, Cook gets forward and off drives well to mid off

25.3 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length and punched off the backfoot to mid off

25.2 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, Crack! a rank bad ball from Watson, short and wide outside off, Cook moves across before cracking it forcefully to sweeper cover, had to get it in the gap and he did that with authority

25.1 Watson to Cook, no run, Beaten! angled one across Cook, who nervously gets forward and prods at it, the ball just seamed away a tad to beat the edge

24.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, FOUR!!, That is a superb cover drive, too full from Hilfenhaus, Strauss concentrated on timing and placement, got it dead right, X gives chase, the ball teases him and beats him to the ropes

24.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 2 runs, The Barmy Army are up and are in full voice as England reach 50, a nicely timed cover drive, to the right of X at mid off, who dives, can only partially stop it, allows a 2nd

24.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nips back in from outside off, targets the stumps, Strauss defends well though

24.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, thick outside edge from Strauss, but along the ground to Huss at gully, Hilfenhaus enticed Strauss into the drive outside off and Strauss nearly fell for the trap there

24.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, back of a length and straightens on off stump, Strauss defends it off the backfoot to the off side

24.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, fuller and angling in on the stumps, Strauss on drives it to mid on

Hilfy is now coming round the wicket to Strauss

23.6 Watson to Cook, no run, Cook missed out there, short and wide outside off, he crunches a square cut to the lone fielder at cover point

23.5 Watson to Cook, no run, no swing yet for Watson, angled across Cook, he gets forward and shoulders arms

22.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, good tight line this from Hilfenhaus, keeps it straight on the stumps, Strauss is confident in defence though

22.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, bouncer, down the leg side, Strauss ducks under it

22.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, slower delivery on the pads, Strauss softly taps it to the ground

22.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, worked to mid on, Johnson misses the direct hit, if he had hit, Cook would have been gone, it looked a lot close than initially thought

22.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, crisp backfoot defence from Cook, gets right behind the line and dead bats it

21.6 Watson to Strauss, no run, Oh! the fuller length and on the stumps, Strauss edges his intended drive back onto his pad, lots of oohs and aahs from the Aussies

21.5 Watson to Strauss, FOUR!!, That's where Strauss is so strong! rocked back, short back-lift, played late, rolled his wrists to get it down and then smashed a square cut wide of backward point, confident stroke

20.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, slanted across Cook who gets forward and shoulders arms

20.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 1 run, shouts of 'catchhhhhhhh' but well in front of Siddle at fine leg, Strauss swivels to pull and does not time it too well, good for him that he didn't time it well

20.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, pushed off the backfoot to the cover region, an easy single as it is in the gap

20.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, left alone

20.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length and on the stumps, Cook has all the time to defend it off the backfoot this time

20.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, another stodgy, durable forward block from Cook, who leans forward to keep out a full ball on off stump

19.6 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, short of length on middle, Cook gets back, closes the face of the bat to tuck it to fine leg, retains the strike with that run

19.6 Siddle to Cook, no ball, good drive, but finds silly mid off, straight to the fielder who is Xavier

19.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, solid, really solid from Cook, gets fully forward and defends it back to Siddle

19.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, nips back in from outside off, not close enough to hit off stump though, Cook shoulders arms

19.3 Siddle to Cook, FOUR!!, shot! Positive shot that, fraction short outside off, Cook is a good cutter, rocks back and then thumps it in the gap square of the wicket, 2nd boundary of the morning and it is a more convincing one

19.2 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, back over the wicket to Siddle, bangs it in short, Strauss short arm pulls it to deep square leg

One of the ground-staff is out there, using an Iron piece to hammer down on the popping crease. They are fixing the crease, the area where the bowler's front foot lands

18.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 2 runs, a half volley, Hilfenhaus is looking to swing it in late, this time he errs, Strauss gets forward and times a drive past mid off, Xavier runs after it, to keep it down to a couple

18.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nice shot but straight to the fielder at mid off, off driven with a full face

18.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nips away from outside off, left alone

18.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, defended off the backfoot to a length ball on off stump

18.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, swing there for Hilfenhaus, it straightens on the middle stump line, Cook pushed his front leg far too across, yet managed to flick it to Sid at fine leg who fires in a wild throw, nearly gave away 4 extra runs, well over Haddin's head, but Pup is there to back it up

18.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, nips back in from outside off, Cook rocks back and tucks it to square leg

17.6 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, a little too straight from Siddle, Cook nudges one through mid wicket and will retain the strike with that run

17.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, good lines these from Siddle, back of a length and straightens on off stump, Cook gets a little squared up, it runs away off the thick outside edge along the ground to point, the England openers look a bit tentative early on

17.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, solid backfoot defence to a ball that kept a tad low on the off stump

17.3 Siddle to Cook, 2 runs, too full on off stump, Cook comes on the frontfoot and push drives it to sweeper cover for a couple

17.2 Siddle to Cook, FOUR!!, There is the edge, but it flies wide of the third slip and well wide of gully too, Cook is hanging on the backfoot, throws his bat at it, slashes hard and gets it in the gap, raced away

17.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, in a short of length area on off stump, Cook rocks back to force it off the backfoot, it is too close to him, ends up defending it back to Siddle

16.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, in the zone outside off, Strauss sees it, it doesn't come back in, lets it go

16.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nice drive, but straight to the fielder at mid off, Strauss gets forward and times an off drive, can't find the gap though

16.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, pitched up and swinging away, left alone

16.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, tucked to mid on from the crease, hint of inswing for Hilfenhaus that time

16.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, Play and a miss from Strauss! fuller and angling across Strauss, Strauss is hanging his bat, pushes forward with no conviction, the ball just misses the edge, lovely bowling, not far from a wicket was Hilfenhaus that time

16.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, 3 slips and a gully for Hilfenhaus, he pitches it up to Hilfenhaus, Cook eases one to the cover region, takes a quick single and gets off strike

Ben Hilfenhaus [6.0-3-6-0] is back into the attack

15.6 Siddle to Strauss, no run, probing away is Siddle, in the corridor of uncertainty, Strauss lets it go

15.5 Siddle to Strauss, no run, good lines these from Siddle, pushing it across Strauss, Strauss tucks his bat inside the line to leave it, it just passes the outside edge

15.3 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, turns it to square leg, a bit of a thickish inner half of the bat, but they cross over for the single

15.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, pushed across Cook, outside off, left alone

15.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, back of a length on off stump, Cook gets right behind the line to defend, Siddle is coming round the wicket to Cook

Pitch report: The pitch has gone flat all of a sudden. But the conditions at the Gabba are cloudy and overcast which should help the swing bowlers. There are a few cracks in the wicket which should alarm England, but if you get in, you can make runs easily on this wicket...

Play will start 12 minutes early to make up for lost time on day 2. So we are minutes away from the action...

Good morning all! England are in a spot of bother after having conceded a huge 221 run lead, but their openers have done well not to suffer any casualties late on day 3. More of such stuff is needed if they are to keep the rampaging Aussies at bay. A couple of early wickets with the new ball should set Australia on the way to a win. It should be fascinating to see so do stay tuned...

Session 3, the drama unfolds: Finn, the tall right arm pacer got just rewards for some consistent bowling as he took a total of 6 wickets, 4 of which came in the final session alone. Swann got rid of the dangerous looking Haddin while Finn removed Hussey just short of his double hundred. Doherty offered slight resistance but the Aussie tail was cleaned up without much ado. England came out to bat and Strauss survived a close call off the very first ball. The openers were cautious, did well to tackle the early movement and end the day without losing any wicket. Do join us tomorrow at 10:00 AM local time for the live action. Until then, this is the duo of Ajith and Srivathsa signing off. Cheers!

14.6 Johnson to Strauss, no run, That's it for the day, Strauss muttered 'Come on' to himself as Johnson was coming in to bowl. Gets nicely forward and dead bats a full ball on off stump, England have done well not to lose any wicket in the 1 hour of play that they had to face. It's stumps on day 3 - day which Aus have won by quite a distance.

The last ball of the day, a leg slip comes in, Katich is at a shortish square leg position

14.5 Johnson to Strauss, no run, Strauss is timing those on drives well, but the only problem is he cannot find the gap, straight to the fielder at mid on

14.4 Johnson to Strauss, no run, banged in on a short of length, Strauss has all the time in the world to defend off the backfoot, he does so pretty easily

3 slips, a gully and a cover point for Johnson

14.3 Johnson to Strauss, no run, closer to off stump, but not close enough, Strauss lifts his bat and lets it go

14.2 Johnson to Strauss, no run, back of a length and angling away from outside off, Strauss will leave those all day

14.1 Johnson to Strauss, no run, Strauss shows the full face of the bat and drives well, but cant beat mid on though

Probably the last over of the day coming up

13.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, moves to off stump, gets his bat in front of the pad and defends

10.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, leg byes, 1 run, turns it to square leg, off the pad, hits the thigh pad

9.6 North to Cook, no run, pushed through on the stumps, skids straight on, Cook gets back and defends

9.5 North to Cook, no run, Cook is well forward and getting to the pitch before blocking

9.4 North to Cook, no run, full outside off, pushed to cover from the crease

9.3 North to Cook, no run, tossed up outside off, driven to cover, some spin for North that time

9.2 North to Cook, no run, leans forward to defend

9.1 North to Cook, FOUR!!, a gift from North, short and wide outside off, Cook rocks back before cutting it powerfully square of the wicket, 1st boundary for Cook

This is somewhat of a surprising decision from Punter, North ahead of Xavier

Marcus North, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

8.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, moves away again, Strauss is happy to leave them

8.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, fullish on off stump, Strauss comes on the frontfoot and dead bats it

8.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, swings back in to Strauss, who tucks it to mid on off the backfoot

8.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, that is a brave leave, nips back in from outside off, it was very close to the off stump, Strauss left that on length, it bounces over the stumps

8.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, in the zone and moving away, Strauss lifts his bat and lets it go

8.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nice forward defence from Strauss, blocking it well

7.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, superb stuff from Sid Vicious. Another leading edge along the ground, full on middle, Cook was looking for the flick to the on side, but it seamed away to catch the edge, down to backward point

7.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, beautiful delivery, magnificent from Sid. Kicks up from a back of a length area, moves away, Cook has a tentative prod at that, bat away from the body, lucky that he did not edge that

7.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, Hussey is on fire today! Now on the field, moves to his left, a full length dive, saves some runs, Cook played it well, steering a rising ball with soft hands

7.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, solid, stodgy, durable forward defensive from Cook, getting forward and defending it back to Siddle

7.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, Cook gets a little squared up, he closes the face of the bat too early, a bit of a leading edge that runs towards backward point

6.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

6.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, FOUR!!, That missed the bat, short down the leg side, Strauss swiveled to pull, it hit the thigh guard and then brushed the shirt, before running away to the fine leg fence, Dar gives it as runs to Strauss, he will take it though

6.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, defends off the backfoot to the off side, looks for the single, is not there

6.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, nearly, nearly! fullish on off, Strauss edges his attempted cover drive back onto his pad, that could so easily have gone back onto the off stump

6.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, crisply defended off the backfoot, Hilfenhaus is angling it across and then getting the odd ball to swing back in

5.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, angled across on a fuller length outside off, Cook isn't drawn into any false strokes, lets it go

5.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, Cook hops and shuffles across a tad before defending that back of a length ball back down the pitch

5.4 Siddle to Cook, no run, good tight bowling this, back of a length on the stumps, Cook looks to defend, it runs away off the outer edge along the ground to gully

5.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, the variation now from Siddle, pushing one across Cook, well outside off, left alone

5.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, Cook stands tall, back and across, defends it back down the wicket

5.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, good bowling this from the hostile Sid. Back of a length and at pace outside off, Cook was rushed into pulling his bat inside the line as the ball rushed past the edge

4.6 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, good bowling, Strauss to his credit had it covered though, stays back and defends with conviction

4.5 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, bouncer, the quick one arrives finally, Strauss ducks under it comfortably

4.4 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, low full toss, perhaps the attempted yorker, Strauss pats it to mid off with no timing

4.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, back of a length and seaming away, outside off, left alone

4.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, Strauss is struggling against Hilfenhaus, is neither forward nor back, the front foot does not move, it was full and angled across, just pushed out at it, didn't miss the edge by much

4.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, turns it to square leg, played with soft hands, an easy single

3.6 Siddle to Strauss, no run, much more confident leave from Strauss, fullish and outside off, he calmly leaves it be

3.5 Siddle to Strauss, no run, huge shout for LBW, but that has pitched outside leg, Strauss shuffles across a tad much, misses a full ball, is rapped on the pads, but will survive as it has just pitched outside leg

3.4 Siddle to Strauss, no run, sucker delivery, full and outside off, Strauss resists the temptation to go for the cover drive, lets it go

3.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, Siddle responds with the yorker on middle, Strauss is good enough to dig it out

3.3 Siddle to Strauss, no ball, FOUR!!, lovely off drive that from Strauss, too full from Siddle, Strauss gets forward and thumps it on the rise past mid off, timed well, raced away, it was a big no-ball as well

3.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, back of a length and outside off, Strauss lifts his bat and lets it go

3.1 Siddle to Strauss, no run, nice carry through for Haddin as Strauss plays inside the line of the ball and lets it go

2.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, Hilfenhaus is keeping it in the off stump channel, just outside off, left alone

2.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length on off stump, Cook gets right behind the line and defends it off the backfoot

2.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full and on off stump, Cook gets nicely forward and pushes it to mid off

2.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, Hilfenhaus gets this one to come back in, Cook thinks it is going across him, is late on the forward defensive shot, the inner edge almost rolls back to clip the off stump, Punter jumps like a Kangaroo and isn't happy when the ball does not dislodge the bail

2.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, too wide and full outside off, left alone

1.6 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, Cook too is away now, tucks it off his hips to deep square leg

1.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, solid backfoot defence from Cook, rocking back, getting right behind the line and then blocking

1.4 Siddle to Strauss, 1 run, full on the pads, Strauss shuffles across, before clipping it neatly to deep square leg

1.3 Siddle to Strauss, no run, once again, back of a length and Strauss tucks his bat in, before leaving it alone

1.2 Siddle to Strauss, no run, Strauss withdraws his bat as the ball slants across him, nice carry for Haddin too

Huge roar for Siddle from the crowd, he is the man who ripped the heart out of England in the 1st innings. Good decision by Punter to give him the new rock

1.1 Siddle to Strauss, no run, starts off with a back of a length ball angling away, Strauss shoulders arms

Peter Siddle, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length on the stumps, tucked to square leg

0.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, down the leg side, Cook cant connect with the leg glance

0.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, well outside off, left alone

0.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, 1 run, Strauss is off the pair with a flick off the pads to fine leg, he should be one mighty relieved man

0.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, fullish and with a hint of swing back in, Strauss shows the full face of the bat and drives it back to Hilfenhaus

0.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, Holy hell!A review of the 1st ball of the innings and Aus have lost it. Strauss was leaving that ball which came back in sharply, he shoulders arms, jags back in to hit him high on the pad, Dar says not out, it looked dead to the naked eye, but Ponting takes the review, replays showed that it was going over, top top decision

Strauss and Cook are at the crease. Strauss is on strike. Hilfenhaus will open the attack

The England openers walk out. Ponting has a long hard look at the full length area on the pitch. Then walks away, brings his mates together and forms a huddle. Right then they break out of the huddle and we are ready to go...

The lead is 221, England need their openers to bat well and bat out today without losing any wicket. The pitch is still good for batting and if the batsmen get in, there is no reason to suggest otherwise why they should not erase this deficit...

It has been a swift end to the Aussie innings after a record stand for any wicket at the Gabba between Hussey and Haddin. They absolutely gave England no chance with their ruthless batting. Once Haddin got out, the rest of the tail was cleaned up in quick time. Still England have an hour's batting to negotiate. Australia will come at them hard and will be looking to pick up a few early wickets.

158.4 Finn to Doherty, out Caught by Cook at deep mid wicket!! 6 fer for Finn, good reward for some persistent line and lengths. Short ball outside off, Doherty fetched the pull, it got big on him, a top edge and Cook keeps his eyes on it, runs in, the sun is a distraction, but he takes it well, tumbles over and then rushes across, so as to come out to open the innings 10 minutes later. Doherty c Cook b Finn 16(30) [4s-2]

Finn to Doherty, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

158.3 Finn to Doherty, no run, pitched up on off, nicely off driven by Doherty, finds mid off

158.2 Finn to Doherty, no run, full on off stump, Doherty opens the face of the bat and guides it to gully, straight to the fielder

158.1 Finn to Doherty, no run, back of a length on off stump, Doherty stands tall and defends it to the off side

157.6 Swann to Doherty, 1 run, trifle short, Doherty waits on the backfoot and cuts it to deep point

157.5 Swann to Doherty, no run, makes a lot of room and steers it to backward point, does not take the single

156.1 Finn to Doherty, no run, Finn comes round the wicket, short of length delivery angling in from outside off, some noise as the ball went past the bat, Doherty missed the upper cut, the keeper takes it and they all appeal in unison, 'Not Out' says Aleem Dar!

155.6 Swann to Hilfenhaus, no run, Hilfenhaus gets forward and defends it to the off side

155.5 Swann to Hilfenhaus, no run, goes after it, wanted to clear the ground, didn't time it, on one bounce to mid on

155.4 Swann to Hilfenhaus, no run, not too full, allows Hilfenhaus to go on the backfoot, pushes it to cover

155.3 Swann to Hilfenhaus, no run, turns in from the off stump, good bounce as well, Hilfenhaus goes on the backfoot and blocks it

155.2 Swann to Hilfenhaus, no run, gives it a bit of air, no turn from this angle, Hilfenhaus comes on the frontfoot and defends it to the off side

155.1 Swann to Doherty, 3 runs, too short, Doherty makes room, stays on the backfoot and cuts it between point and cover, towards the long boundary, he gets three runs

154.6 Finn to Hilfenhaus, no run, short of a good length delivery outside off, shapes away, left alone

154.5 Finn to Hilfenhaus, no run, good ball that, beating the outside edge of Hilfenhaus as he pokes at it

Ben Hilfenhaus, right handed bat, comes to the crease

154.4 Finn to Siddle, out Caught by Swann!! There comes the fifer, Finn banged in short, it was well directed, it was angling down the leg, Siddle was early into the shot as he looked to hook that towards fine leg, takes the glove and lobs up to the right of Swann at second slip, he moves quickly and takes it quite easily. Siddle c Swann b Finn 6(11) [4s-1]

Finn to Siddle, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

154.3 Finn to Siddle, no run, length ball nipping back in, Siddle gets forward with the full face

154.2 Finn to Siddle, FOUR!!, looks like he's carrying the confidence that he had while bowling, on the pads, he whips it behind square on the on side, Trott runs to his left, fails to flick the ball back to the playing area and that's the first boundary for Siddle

154.1 Finn to Siddle, no run, on the stumps, Siddle defends it back down the pitch

153.6 Swann to Doherty, no run, Doherty backs away and cracks it straight to the fielder at cover

153.5 Swann to Siddle, 1 run, slightly quicker, Siddle goes on the backfoot and turns it behind square on the on side

153.4 Swann to Siddle, no run, gets nicely forward and taps it to the on side

153.3 Swann to Siddle, no run, Siddle gets forward and defends it to the on side

153.2 Swann to Siddle, no run, good stop from the man at short leg, Siddle goes on the backfoot and whips it to the on side, Cook stops it with his legs at short leg, you need to be ready to take some blows when you are standing close in

153.1 Swann to Siddle, no run, a bit of air outside off, Siddle gets forward and defends it

152.6 Finn to Doherty, FOUR!!, pushed across the left hander, he opens the face of the bat and guides it through the gully region, to the right of the fielder and he registers his first boundary in Tests

152.5 Finn to Siddle, 1 run, that was so close to being Finn's fifth wicket, Siddle closes the face of the bat looking to turn it to the on side, to the left of the outstretched hand of the man at short leg, Siddle gets off the mark

152.4 Finn to Siddle, no run, fuller delivery angling in, Siddle gets his bat down and defends it back towards Finn

Peter Siddle, right handed bat, comes to the crease

152.3 Finn to Johnson, out Bowled!! Johnson goes for a duck after facing 19 deliveries, it was a length ball angling in, Johnson plays outside the line, the ball hits him on the back pad in front of the leg stump and defletcs onto the stumps, Johnson has been struggling with the bat of late and it adds to his woes. Finn, on the other hand, takes his 4th wicket, they are looking to clean up the Aussies quickly now. Johnson b Finn 0(19)

Finn to Johnson, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

152.2 Finn to Johnson, no run, back of a length and angling in from outside off, Johnson shoulders arms

152.1 Finn to Johnson, no run, length ball angling in, Johnson gets behind and defends it to the off side

Drinks are on the field now

151.6 Swann to Doherty, no run, Doherty stretches forward and dead bats it

151.5 Swann to Doherty, no run, gives it a nice flight, Doherty comes on the frontfoot and taps it to short extra cover

151.4 Swann to Doherty, no run, tossed up delivery on the off stump, Doherty pushes it back to the bowler

151.3 Swann to Doherty, no run, drifting in from round the wicket, Doherty gets forward and defends

151.2 Swann to Doherty, no run, not much air, Doherty gets nicely forward, eyes on the ball, defends it to the on side

151.1 Swann to Doherty, no run, tossed up outside off, Doherty drives it back to Swann

150.5 Finn to Johnson, no run, back of a length delivery on off, Johnson punches it to extra cover

150.4 Finn to Johnson, no run, short of a good length delivery pitching outside leg and angling across, Johnson defends it off the backfoot to the on side

150.3 Finn to Johnson, no run, pitched up and moving away, Johnson goes back, has a close look at it and lets it through with his arms raised

150.2 Finn to Doherty, 1 run, short of length delivery on the leg stump, Doherty pulls it to fine leg for a single

150.1 Finn to Doherty, no run, back of a length delivery pushed across the left hander, he leaves it be

149.6 Swann to Doherty, 3 runs, Doherty is off the mark in Test cricket, short and wide, Doherty rocks back and cuts it hard behind point, takes three as the ball struggles to reach the boundary, that brought a smile on his dad's face who's out there in the stands watching his son play his first ever Test

149.5 Swann to Doherty, no run, clears his front leg and pushes it back to the bowler

149.4 Swann to Doherty, no run, Doherty comes on the frontfoot and dead bats it down the pitch

149.3 Swann to Doherty, no run, on the backfoot again, Doherty pushes it to cover point

149.2 Swann to Doherty, no run, Doherty goes on the backfoot and blocks it with the full face of the bat

149.1 Swann to Doherty, no run, quicker delivery that, loopy delivery striking Doherty's pad on the leg stump, it may have missed the leg stump, not too sure, but the umpire definitely thought so! Replays show that it was going over the leg stump.

Xavier Doherty, left handed bat, comes to the crease

148.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, out Caught by Cook!! Oh dear, oh dear oh dear!!! What has Michael Hussey done? The shot that he'd made his own over the last couple of days leads to his dismissal, it was banged in short, Michael Hussey pulled in the air, may be he'd forgotten that there was a man at deep mid wicket, Cook had to move a couple of paces back, had to adjust, he did it quite well, pouched it safely in the end, Michael Hussey falls agonisingly short of a double hundred, the crowds stand up, standing ovation for Mr. Cricket, very much deserving, he's not just saved the Aussies from danger, but has also put them in a commanding position. Michael Hussey c Cook b Finn 195(332) [4s-26 6s-1]

Finn to Michael Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

148.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, short of a good length delivery angling in, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and clips it down to fine leg, collects two

148.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, too full outside the off stump, Michael Hussey mistimes the straight drive towards mid off, the face of the bat was parallel to the ground on that occasion

148.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, length ball outside the off stump, Michael Hussey sees it through to the keeper

148.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, slightly fuller, Michael Hussey gets forward and pushes it to the off side

148.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, moves into the 190s with that boundary, the pull shot again, finds the gap between mid on and mid wicket, hit with a lot of power, rolls away to wide long on boundary

147.6 Swann to Johnson, no run, drifting in from outside off, Johnson goes on the backfoot and blocks it

147.4 Swann to Johnson, no run, gives it a bit of air, Johnson gets forward and taps it back towards the non-striker

147.3 Swann to Johnson, no run, round the wicket to the left hander, drifting in, Johnson stretches forward and pushes it back to Swann

147.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, chips down the track and drives it to long off

147.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, flighted delivery, leg stumpish, Michael Hussey clears his front leg and taps it to the off side

146.6 Finn to Johnson, no run, pitched up on the leg stump, Johnson stays on the backfoot and drives it to mid on

146.5 Finn to Johnson, no run, lands on a length, pushed across Johnson, he shoulders arms

146.4 Finn to Johnson, no run, back of a length delivery pitching outside leg and shaping across, Johnson defends it to the on side

146.3 Finn to Johnson, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, punched back straight past the bowler, mid off runs to his left to prevent the single

146.2 Finn to Johnson, no run, back of a length delivery angling across, goes off the outside edge towards backward point

146.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Anderson has had a forgettable day on the field despite bowling well, but does extremely well this time to put in that full length dive at mid off, saves a boundary, it was a juicy full toss, Michael Hussey thought he'd hit that in the gap

145.6 Swann to Johnson, no run, leans nicely forward and dead bats it

145.5 Swann to Johnson, no run, Johnson stays on the backfoot and pushes it back to the bowler

145.4 Swann to Johnson, no run, slightly quicker, skids through, Johnson blocks it off the backfoot

Mitchell Johnson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

145.3 Swann to Haddin, out Caught by Collingwood!! The much awaited wicket has finally arrived, a superb innings comes to an end, Swann does not give much air this time around, gets the ball to drift away from round the wicket, Haddin was lured into the forward defensive prod, he gets a thick outside edge, the ball was eluding Colly at first slip but he does very well to dive to his right with an outstretched right hand, takes it with ease and ensures that the ball does not pop out. Fabulous catch that, he is indeed one of the best fielders in the English camp. Haddin c Collingwood b Swann 136(287) [4s-16 6s-1]

Swann to Haddin, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

145.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, comes down the pitch, takes it on the full and drives it to long off

144.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery again, well directed, Haddin gets on top of the bounce and fends it down the pitch

144.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, bangs it hard again, outside the off stump again, Haddin drops his wrists and watches it sail through

144.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, bangs it short and angles it down the leg stump, Haddin ducks and lets it go past

144.3 Finn to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery angling in, Haddin gets behind and defends it solidly

144.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, he's a master of pull shots, Finn bangs it in short, Michael Hussey takes his eyes off at the last moment, but manages to get on top of the ball and roll his wrists over it, a single towards deep square leg

144.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Michael Hussey lets it go past

143.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, gives it a bit of air, Michael Hussey pushes it to long off, retains the strike with that run

143.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, pitches outside leg and turns across, Michael Hussey clears his front leg and defends it to the on side

143.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, tosses it up a wee bit, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and drives it to long off

143.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, tossed up outside off, Haddin leaves it be

143.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin gets forward and defends it solidly

142.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, on the pads, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and glances it to the fine leg boundary, gets to his highest Test score and the 300 run partnership is up!

142.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, did he nick it? Replays please! It was short, Michael Hussey wanted to pull, the ball brushed his trousers on the way to the keeper, they think he'd nicked it, but we all know that when Michael Hussey nicks it, he walks. But, this time, he stood out there, rightly so!

142.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, on the pads, Michael Hussey is on his toes as he works it away to deep square leg, does well to run back for the second

142.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling in, Michael Hussey gets forward and pushes it to the off side

142.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, bangs it in short outside off, Michael Hussey was in two minds, whether to go for the pull or not, ends up doing a bit of both, does not make contact

142.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length delivery angling in from round the wicket, Michael Hussey shoulders arms

141.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, slightly quicker, well blocked, Haddin was on the backfoot right away

141.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, not much air on that delivery, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and offers the full face

141.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, leg byes, 1 run, Michael Hussey gets down on one knee to sweep it fine, goes off the pad towards short fine and they sneak in a single

141.3 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, leg stumpish, Haddin goes on the backfoot and tucks it round the corner

140.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, too full on the off stump, Michael Hussey digs it back to Finn

140.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling in from round the wicket, Michael Hussey leaves it be, risky leave that but it was outside the off stump and he read the line pretty well

Some movement behind the bowler's arm which is irritating Michael Hussey, looks like that's set right. Alright, here we go.

Welcome back to 'The Gabba', the post-tea session is about to get underway. Aussies lead by 176 runs with 5 wickets in hand. They haven't lost a wicket today, Finn to start the proceedings.

Session 2, the dominance continues: Hussey and Haddin have perhaps played the innings of their lives as the duo have steered the Aussies to a position of strength after lunch. They attacked the bowlers - Swann in particular - and scored boundaries at will. The English bowlers lacked the fire that they showed in the morning session and the Aussies made merry on a pitch that started to ease out. Strokeplay was a lot easier under the hot sun, Swann looked totally out of sorts as Hussey notched up his 2nd 150+ score in Tests. Haddin, who crossed his 3rd Test ton, continued his domination with the bat by taking on the attack to the opposition. No wicket lost in the two sessions today, which means, the Aussies are in the drivers' seat. Do join us at 3:00 PM local time (10:30 AM IST) for the post-tea session.

139.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, Australia have turned it on big time here! The 2nd session in a row where they have not lost a wicket. Fraction short and spinning away, Michael Hussey rocks back to cut it wide of cover, Anderson gives chase and hauls it back in, 3 taken and it will be tea as well on day 3

139.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, leans forward to smother the spin to a ball on leg stump

139.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, this time gets it wide of short leg

139.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, round the wicket to Haddin, defended to short leg

139.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, skips down and gets to the pitch before easing it to long on

139.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, over the wicket comes Swann, pitches outside leg, Michael Hussey fails to tuck it away, rolls of the pad to silly point

Graeme Swann [33.0-4-108-1] is back into the attack

Last over before tea and it will be Swann

138.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, good fielding from KP at gully, forced off the backfoot, he flings to his right, gets both hands and then tumbles across after stopping that

137.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, plays it to silly mid on, just a gentle nudge and he retains the strike with that run

137.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, gets forward and pushes this full on the stumps back to Broad

137.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, tremendous batting from Michael Hussey, splendid cover drive, leaning forward and stroking it wide of the cover fielder, hit on the rise, beats sweeper cover too quite easily, the timing and the touch in that shot from Michael Hussey was exquisite, he is batting beautifully

137.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, moves back in from outside off, slight in-dip in that, Michael Hussey expertly judges that and shoulders arms

137.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, fabulous fielding from Cook at cover, dives to his left and cuts off a certain boundary

137.1 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, Comical stuff from the Poms, defended to cover point, Bell shies at the non-striker's end and misses, the backing up man then decides to target Broad and the resultant throw hits Broad on the boot, there was a chance of another run, but the batsmen do not take it

136.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, short delivery on middle, Michael Hussey swivels to pull it to the right of Trott at fine leg, he slides to his right and kept it to a couple

136.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, looking at England's luck all day, that had no chance of dribbling back onto the stumps and dislodging the bail, hits Michael Hussey's thigh pad and trickles past leg stump, well wide of the stumps and rolled slowly too

136.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey's footwork too is impeccable, shows the full face of the bat and defends it back to Anderson

136.3 Anderson to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length on off stump, Haddin stays beside the line, tapped to cover point, easy single

136.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, shapes back in from outside off, Haddin is hanging back, gets right behind the line to block that

136.1 Anderson to Haddin, no run, big swing and a miss, fuller length outside off, Haddin went for the expansive drive, missed, no edge on that though

135.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, tight over ends with a tight backfoot defence from Michael Hussey

135.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, this one came back in with the angle, but not far enough to hit off stump, Michael Hussey shoulders arms

135.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey is leaving them well as he has done all innings, lifts his bat and lets it go to a ball outside off

135.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, length ball on off stump, Michael Hussey gets a thickish edge that runs away to gully, all along the ground though

135.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

135.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up on off stump, Michael Hussey gets forward to defend

134.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, Haddin gets right behind the line, back and across to defend a length ball on off stump

134.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, steered to gully with an open face

134.4 Anderson to Haddin, FOUR!!, Even Anderson sees the funny side of it now. Has a big smile at Haddin after the batsman played away from the body, got a French Cut past the leg stump, it was close but raced away to fine leg. Terrible luck for the Poms today, not one thing has gone right for them.

134.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, fullish on the pads, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and clips it to the right of fine leg, fabulous running from the two gives them the third

133.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, length ball on off stump, Michael Hussey defends from the crease

133.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, beauty! absolute ripper! angling in and then left Michael Hussey ever so slightly, Michael Hussey was coming forward to defend, it just missed the outside edge by inches

132.6 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, solid defence from Haddin this time

132.4 Collingwood to Haddin, 3 runs, back of a length outside off, Haddin arched back and then dabbed it wide of gully, a comfortable 3 by the time the third man picks it up

132.3 Collingwood to Haddin, FOUR!!, Haddin is rubbing it in now! width outside off, Haddin leant forward and flayed it on the up square of the wicket, there are no one on the fence on the off side, Colly is being targetted as he should be, he is no more than gentle medium, easy runs these for the Aussies

132.2 Collingwood to Haddin, FOUR!!, Thumped! Haddin stays on the crease and belts it across the line to long on, just missed Anderson's left ankle at silly mid on, the ball went to the boundary in a flash, terrific hit

132.1 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, back of a length on off stump, Haddin defends

It looks like the umpires are going to change the ball finally after having rejected it 3 times before. Will this changed ball prove beneficial to England?

131.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length on off stump, Michael Hussey hops back to defend

131.5 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, on the hips, Haddin goes back and tucks it to backward square leg

131.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, looks like Broad will target Haddin with short deliveries, good bouncer, Haddin sways out of the way

131.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, the short ball rears up on Michael Hussey, who rises on top of the bounce and then pulls it to deep mid wicket, easy 3 runs

131.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, down the leg side, brushes Michael Hussey's pads and rolls to Prior

131.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, angling into the left hander, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and clips it to fine leg for a couple to bring up the 250 run stand between the two, what a stand this is - could be a match-winning and probably a series winning one too

130.6 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, slower cutter on the stumps, Haddin defends

130.5 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 1 run, 2nd score of 150 for Michael Hussey in test cricket! driven to cover where Swann fumbles, he raises his bat and sees his family cheer him on from the dressing room

130.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, in the channel with a bit of swing away, Michael Hussey shoulders arms

130.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, good length and angling away outside off, left alone

As soon as the catch was dropped by Anderson, Strauss was terribly disappointed, while Broad and Haddin had a friendly chat. Shane Warne on air reckons that, Haddin might well have asked Broad, 'How is your blisters on the feet'

130.2 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, was in the air, but well wide and it burst through Anderson's hands at silly mid on, it was hit hard too by Haddin

130.1 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, good length on middle, Haddin shows the full face of the bat and blocks

129.5 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, What else can go wrong for England? their star with the ball, Anderson floors a relatively easy catch, the top edged pull from Haddin, it went swirling in the air, Andy went back from mid wicket, was never in any position to catch that, did not even get a finger tip to it, catch dropped!!

129.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, short of length outside off, Haddin gets on top of the bounce and defends it to the off side

129.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, good bouncer that one, Haddin had to duck and sway out of the way to avoid that, it was following him, he did well to play that in the end

Shane Warne on air tells us that, Broad has blisters on his feet after slipping on a pair of new boots. Strange!

129.2 Broad to Haddin, no run, bouncer, way too high, Haddin wants to pull, but he had no chance to reach that

129.1 Broad to Haddin, no run, was there any glove involved? no. It is just misses the glove, Haddin went for the pull to a ball down the leg side, fortunately for him he did not edge it

Stuart Broad [28.0-6-58-0] is back into the attack

The below table clearly shows that whoever has batted well in the first innings and gained a lead at the Gabba have invariably gone on to win the Ashes. Will it be any different this time? Only time will tell. The game is slowly but surely slipping away from England. They look flat and without energy on the field. Where will the inspiration come from?

128.6 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling across, Michael Hussey gets a thick inside edge onto the pads, and it's time for Drinks

128.5 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, fuller delivery on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler, the ball deflects off his hand to mid off, a single at the offing

128.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short and wide, Michael Hussey slaps it to sweeper cover for a single

128.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, well outside off again, Michael Hussey watches it all the away to the gloces of Prior

128.2 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up and moving away from the off stump, no attempt to go after that one

The game is slowly slipping away from England. The batsmen are scoring freely as well. Can Colly do some magic?

Paul Collingwood [9.0-1-25-0] is back into the attack

127.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery around that off stump, Haddin defends it towards point, got on top of it nicely

127.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, Haddin lets it through to Prior

127.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, Haddin puts his leg forward, lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper

127.3 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, shaping away, Haddin lets it go past

127.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, too full outside off, Michael Hussey stretches and drives it through the cover region, sweeper keeps it down to a single

127.1 Finn to Haddin, 1 run, pitched up outside off, Haddin steers it down to third man, only a single, played away from the body on that occassion, went off the toe end of the bat

126.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gets a nice stride forward and offers the full face

126.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, clears his front leg and taps it to the on side

126.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Gosh! How good is that? Michael Hussey comes down the track and drives in the air, hits it wide of Pietersen at long off, who slipped, he is finding the gaps with utmost ease today

126.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gets nicely behind the line of the ball before blocking it

126.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler

126.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, drifting in from round the wicket, Michael Hussey goes on the backfoot and defends it to the off side

125.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, on a length around that off stump, Haddin defends it to the off side

125.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, good length delivery outside off, Haddin does not go after it

125.3 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, fortune favors the brave they say, and the rub of the green goes Haddin's way, shortish outside off, Haddin looked to cut that, gets a top edge that flies wide of a diving Strauss at first slip, a second slip would have snaffled that up but it was not to be so, Strauss was the only man out there, boundary!

125.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery angling in from outside off, Haddin gets behind the line of the ball and defends it towards cover

125.1 Finn to Haddin, no run, lands on a length just outside off, shapes away, left alone

124.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gets nicely forward and offers the full face

124.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, waits on the backfoot and nudges it to square leg

124.3 Swann to Haddin, FOUR!!, as straight as a ram-rod, nicely tossed up outside off, Haddin gets underneath the flight and smacks that over Swann, deliberately went and took the aerial route

124.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, flighted delivery on off, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and drives it back to Swann

124.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, flatter outside off, Michael Hussey flat bats it to cover and ambles across for a single

123.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, pitches well outside off again, Haddin has no problems, watches it through to the keeper

123.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, pitched up well outside off, Haddin leaves it be

123.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery shaping away, outside off again, left alone

123.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, shortish outside off, Michael Hussey steers it late, Pietersen at gully bends down but fails to stop that, allows them to take a single

123.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, The English cricketers have been doing a lot of fetching after lunch, bet their digestive system will be working better than ever, short ball, pulled away wide of mid on, over the fielder as well, boundary!

122.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, drifting in, Michael Hussey clears his front leg, but not good enough, hit on the pad and the ball rolls down the pitch

122.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gives it some air, Michael Hussey leans nicely forward and dead bats it

122.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin closes the face of the bat and nudges it behind square for a single

122.3 Swann to Haddin, SIX!!, Bring it on he says and does a Sehwag, dances down the track and gets to his third Test hundred with a six, clears long on with ease, the new age batsmen are fearless and Haddin has played a superb knock, Congratulations!

122.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, gets behind the line of the ball, uses the depth of the crease, blocks it

120.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Michael Hussey opens the face of the bat and steers it wide of point for a single

120.2 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, waits on the backfoot and pushes it to long on

120.1 Swann to Haddin, FOUR!!, picks his spot to perfection, Swann does some help by pushing it slower through the air, Haddin gets down on one knee and swings through the line, flat hit through mid wicket, rocket pace that, runs are coming at will in the post lunch session, Haddin moves into the nineties!

119.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length delivery on the middle and off, Michael Hussey gets behind nicely and defends it solidly

119.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, drives again, but this time, the man at extra cover gets some hand and takes the pace off the ball, they take two!

119.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, slower delivery from Anderson, chipped that in the air over the non-striker, enough bat on it to reach the boundary, back to back fours and Anderson is looking a touch tired and out of ideas!

119.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, angling away further from Michael Hussey, he leaves it be

118.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, trifle short, Haddin waits for it and cuts it straight to point

118.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, gives it a lot of air, Haddin puts his leg forward and offers his pad at that one, struck well outside off, enough doubt in the minds of the umpire, turns it down

118.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, tossed up delivery on off, Haddin drives it straight back to Swann

118.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, flighted delivery on middle and off, driven straight to the man at short mid wicket

118.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, turns in sharply, raps Haddin on the pad in front of leg, the ball rolls towards vacant backward short leg region, does not take the single

118.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tosses it up nicely, Michael Hussey stays on the backfoot, turns it to mid wicket, quick single taken

117.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, on the pads again, the on-drive goes straight to Finn at short mid wicket who does well to stop it

117.5 Anderson to Haddin, 2 runs, too full and on the middle and leg, Finn at short mid wicket fails to stop the flick, lets it through between his legs, they come back for the second

117.4 Anderson to Haddin, FOUR!!, that's as good a punch that you can see, full and straight, Whack! sends the ball straight past the bowler, mid on dived to his left but had no chance, races away to the boundary

117.3 Anderson to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery angled in, Haddin works it to short mid wicket, straight to the man

117.2 Anderson to Haddin, 2 runs, full and on the pads, Haddin flicks it behind square on the on side, backward square leg runs forward but fails to prevent the second run

117.1 Anderson to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery on off, Haddin defends it to the off side towards short cover

116.5 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, gets across and chips it over mid wicket, on one bounce to the man in the deep, probably did that deliberately

116.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin leans forward and dead bats it

116.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, skids through, slightly quicker this time, Haddin gets his bat down and whips it to short mid wicket

116.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, gives it some air, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and drives it to cover

116.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up delivery outside off, Michael Hussey stretches forward and eases it wide of silly point

115.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, short of a good length delivery outside off, Haddin looks to steer that late, does not make contact

115.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, angling in after pitching on off, Haddin defends it to the on side, played on the frontfoot

115.4 Anderson to Haddin, no run, back of a length outside off, Haddin opens the face of the bat and steers it to backward point

115.3 Anderson to Haddin, no run, short of a good length delivery outside off, Haddin opens the face of the bat and pushes it to point

115.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, lands on a length outside the off stump, Haddin gets forward and defends it to the off side

115.1 Anderson to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery angling in, Haddin pushes it to mid on, sends Michael Hussey back as he looks for a single

Anderson to continue from the other end

114.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, nice tossed up delivery that, Michael Hussey dances down the track and drives it to short extra cover with soft hands

114.5 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin comes down the track looking to drive on the up, gets an outside edge that goes behind point

114.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, turns in gently from outside off, a bat pad goes wide of Cook at short leg, shouts of 'Catch it' but more in anticipation!

114.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Haddin gets forward and blocks

114.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, gives it a bit of air, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and turns it to the on side

114.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, turns in from outside off, Haddin punches it off the backfoot towards mid off

Graeme Swann [26.0-4-81-1] will start proceedings after lunch

Welcome back, On Day 2 the English bowlers came back strongly after lunch. Will we see a similar stuff this time around? Or will the Aussies press further advantage? Here we go!

Session 1, the Aussie battle: It will be fair enough to say that the English bowlers have run out of luck on Day 3. The scorecard suggests an Aussie dominance, but if you have followed the morning session from close quarters, you would feel for the English pacers. Anderson was the pick of the bowlers, got the ball to move around and troubled the Aussies - Mike Hussey in particular. There was an LBW appeal that was given out but Hussey went for the referral to get it reversed in his favour. A couple of overs later, Anderson trapped Hussey plumb in front but umpire Dar didn't give that out. England, unfortunately, had no reviews left with them. After a hard battle in the first hour, Haddin decided to break free. Scored runs with ease as he allowed Michael Hussey to take his own time to settle down. Much of the credit goes to Hussey who scored his 12th Test ton and silenced all those who had questioned his place in the side. The hosts are all set to take a healthy lead and put England on the backfoot. Do join us at 12:40 PM local time (8:10 AM IST) for the post-lunch session.

113.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, That ends a magnificent session for Aus! full and angling away from outside off, Michael Hussey shoulders arms, England are under severe pressure after that tremendous stand between these two, it is lunch on day 3

Last ball before lunch

113.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up on off stump, on driven to mid on, nice shot for no run

113.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey is looking so focussed and is concentration personified as he blocks off the backfoot

113.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up on off stump, Michael Hussey gets forward and drives, but can't beat Colly at cover

113.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length and on off stump, Michael Hussey hops back to block

Last over before lunch

112.6 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, Collingwood is doing a good job, no width for Haddin as he defends again

112.5 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, back of a length on off stump, Haddin gets right behind the line and defends

112.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 1 run, worked away wide of mid wicket for another well judged single

112.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, resolute defence from Michael Hussey who has been simply magnificent in this innings

112.2 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey leans well forward, shows the full face of the bat and defends a length ball on middle stump

112.1 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, nice on drive past the silly mid on fielder, quick single taken

111.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, More pain for England. Short and wide outside off, Michael Hussey stayed beside the line, used his hands to slap a square cut past backward point, fabulous shot and this is getting better for Michael Hussey

111.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, moves in to hit the pad, sliding down the leg side, maybe going over as well, Anderson vents his frustration at Michael Hussey by having a verbal, Michael Hussey yanks his head away and walks off

111.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, England are down and this is rubbing severe salt into their wounds. Michael Hussey went for the pull, the length was not there for that kind of a shot, the top edge off the back of the bat flies over the slip cordon, Anderson is geting increasingly frustrated

111.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

111.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, fine timing this time, punched off the backfoot past cover for another brace

111.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, Anderson drops one short, Michael Hussey employs the front-foot pull, did not time it well, Finn at backward square leg keeps it to a couple

James Anderson [29.0-11-54-2] is back into the attack

Aleem Dar had a look at the ball and then reckoned that it is fine, throws it back to the England bowlers. So nothing is going in favor of the Poms

110.6 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, back of a length outside off, steered to the lone slip, on the bounce

110.5 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, that almost carried to Anderson at silly mid on, nice on drive, was in the air, just bounced in front of Andy

110.4 Collingwood to Haddin, 2 runs, clipped off the middle stump line to the mid wicket region for a couple of runs

110.3 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, full outside off, Haddin leans forward to drive to cover, well timed, but can't find the gap

110.2 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, off cutter on middle, Haddin taps it softly to the on side

110.1 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, more defence from Haddin this time off the backfoot

109.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, lovely bowling, slower, luring Michael Hussey into the drive, a thick edge runs down to backward point

109.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up and turning away, left alone

109.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, turns it to the mid wicket region, easy single

109.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin leans well forward to defend this time

109.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin mistimes a forcing shot off the backfoot, bunted to mid off

108.6 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, good length on off stump, Michael Hussey gets right behind the line to cover the off stump and defend

108.5 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, driven beautifully, but straight to the fielder at cover

108.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, much wider of off stump, swinging away too, Michael Hussey lets it go

108.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, floated full outside off, left alone

108.2 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, turns it to square leg, a bit of a thick inside edge onto the pads, before it rolled away, quick single taken

108.1 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, good length outside off, Haddin dabbed it to the short third man region

107.6 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, nudged wide of short leg, retains the strike with that run

107.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, leans forward to defend

107.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, lady luck is not going England's way this morning, Michael Hussey rocked back to cut the quicker delivery, was too close to cut, the thick inside edge just went wide of the leg stump, Swann can't quite believe his luck, Michael Hussey has been so lucky this morning, he has made quite the most of it though

107.3 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, full on off, thumped down to long on

107.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, this one held it's line, Haddin was playing for the turn, it skidded straight on and beat the outside edge, lovely bowling

107.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, top effort from Strauss at silly mid on, dives to his left and cuts it off

106.6 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, fullish, on driven to long on

106.5 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, cuts back in from outside off, Haddin pushed at it, it sneaked through the bat and pad gap, strikes him on the back leg, sliding down the leg side though

106.4 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, Collingwood is keeping it nice and straight on the stumps, Haddin defends on the front-foot

106.3 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, turned to the on side

106.2 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, full and right on off stump, Haddin prefers to defend, patted it back to Collingwood

106.1 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, back of a length on off stump, Haddin pushes it to short cover

105.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, pushed through outside off, Michael Hussey sees and then leaves it alone

105.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey wanted to play the sweep, it was too wide outside off, lets it go

105.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, turns it to short mid wicket, wide of the fielder and gets off strike

105.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, drifted away, Haddin was looking for the square drive, the thick edge goes to backward point, it went along the ground

105.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, full and right up there, Haddin squeezesz it out

104.5 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, catch was the call, an uppish drive, just wide of short cover, Haddin is taking his chances here

104.4 Collingwood to Haddin, FOUR!!, Haddin mows one across the line, walks down, did not time it well, but good enough to clear mid on

104.3 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, gentle delivery, right on the stumps, Haddin blocks from the crease

104.2 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, solid defence from Haddin this time

104.1 Collingwood to Haddin, 2 runs, Cook did a fabulous job, he had his shin pads on, still made a great attempt to catch that, it was skewed up by as he mistimed a drive, Cook back-pedalled from mid off, dived forward, got both hands, could not hold on, very tough chance, but it went down

Short midwicket in place and a silly mid-on fielder.

Paul Collingwood [4.0-1-12-0] is back into the attack

103.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, chips down the track and defends it to the on side

103.5 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, Swann produces the inside edge onto the pads, but it goes well wide of short leg, Haddin was looking to turn it to the on that time

102.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, Haddin blocks from the backfoot, comfortably done

102.5 Broad to Haddin, no run, back of a length and nips back in on the stumps, Haddin is solid in defence

102.4 Broad to Haddin, FOUR!!, the tactic of employing the short ball is not working, Haddin rocks back, swivels to pull it wide of backward square leg, it was just wide of him, hit and placed well, top shot!

102.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, wasted delivery, short down the leg side, easily left alone

102.2 Broad to Haddin, 2 runs, Broad bangs it in short, Haddin goes for the pull, fetched it from outside off, hit high on the bat, just wide and over mid on

102.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Broad is coming round the wicket, back of a length on middle, Michael Hussey turns it to square leg

Drinks are on the field now

101.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, tossed up and turning back in, Haddin rocks back to defend

101.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, gets to the pitch and drives it to long off

101.4 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, softly patted square of the wicket on the off side

101.3 Swann to Haddin, 2 runs, well played, flat outside off, Haddin came down late on that, dabbed it to the third man region

101.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, runs away off the inner edge, just wide of short leg

101.1 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, gets forward and pats it to long on

100.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Mr. Cricket, take a bow! What a shot to bring it up as well, he is pumped, leant forward and drove it wide of mid off, raced away, Michael Hussey shows his emotion, lets out a huge roar, pumpls his fists, hugs Haddin, he is so relieved at getting his 12th test ton, third against England, 2nd consecutive one too against them, this has been a top top innings, certainly saved his test career, his team-mates stand and applaud

100.5 Broad to Haddin, leg byes, 1 run, What was Broad appealing for? well down the leg side and strikes Haddin on the pad, before they take a leg bye

100.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, it was in the air, but just wide of Colly at short cover, driven uppishly and Haddin mistimed that, lucky that it did not go straight to the fielder

99.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, gets to the pitch of it and drives it to long off, retains the strike with that run

99.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, leans forward to block

99.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, moves in to leg stump, hits Michael Hussey high on the pad, lots of oohs and aahs from England, but no damage done

99.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, chips down and defends this one to cover

99.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Good batting that, Michael Hussey chips down the track, just thumps a lofted hit over the head of mid off, well over him, Michael Hussey gets close to another ton, immediately the deep point has been set, Chappell on air isn't impressed, calls that 'Ridiculous'

99.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, comes round the wicket, tossed up on the stumps, Michael Hussey gets forward to defend

Graeme Swann [20.0-4-59-1] is back into the attack

98.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, that is a different way of ducking under a short ball, the slow loopy bouncer outside off, Haddin dropped his wrists and then almost fell over as he swayed out of the line

98.5 Broad to Haddin, no run, Broad has his hands on his head after that, fullish on off stump, Haddin looks to cream the leather off that, gets an inside edge onto the pads, before it rolls just wide of the off stump, close!

98.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, short and a well directed bouncer, Haddin is looking to come on the frontfoot, fends at it awkwardly, it goes off the glove and falls near where a short leg would have been

98.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, That's the length, fuller on the stumps, Haddin is unlucky that time, leans forward and strokes a straight drive that crashes into the stumps at the other end, Broad put the foot out, he did not get a touch, Michael Hussey was out of his crease, would have been close had Broad got a boot on that

98.2 Broad to Haddin, no run, and again, back of a length on off stump, Haddin gets right behind the line to block comfortably, Broad needs to pitch it up a lot fuller

98.1 Broad to Haddin, no run, back of a length and banged into the pitch, Haddin is on the backfoot and defending

97.6 Finn to Haddin, 1 run, on the hips, Haddin hops back to tuck it to deep square leg

97.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, the normal quick bowler's response, short and angling down the leg side, Haddin ducks under that comfortably

97.4 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, Now Finn overcompensates by bowling full outside off, Haddin is on the frontfoot and creams a cover drive, hit well and it raced away, back to back boundaries for Haddin, it's his 6th TestFIFTY!! too, fine fine innings

97.3 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, Crunch! short and wide outside off, asking to be hit, Haddin smoked a square cut wide of backward point, Australia are into the lead now

97.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, good bowling, keeping it full on the stumps, Haddin looks to defend, the ball hits the thickish outer half of the bat and runs towards backward point

97.1 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length and angling into the right hander, Haddin hops back to defend that ball which is heading to off stump

96.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, kicks off the deck, Michael Hussey has a close look at it and lets it through

96.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, on the stumps again, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and defends it wide of the bowler

96.4 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, first innings scores level now! short of length delivery on the leg stump, Haddin nudges it to the on side for a quick single

96.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, around that off and middle, Michael Hussey opens the face of the bat and taps it to the left of Trott at point, good running that, Broad not happy with the fielding

96.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, fullish again, Michael Hussey pushes it to mid off, does not take a single

96.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, starts with a fuller delivery outside off, Michael Hussey drives it to mid off

Stuart Broad [24.0-5-44-0] is back into the attack

95.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery angling in, Haddin gets behind the line and defends it down the pitch

95.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, length ball outside off, not too short to cut, beaten!

95.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Michael Hussey looks to clip it square on the wicket on the on side, gets an inside edge onto the pads

95.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, around that off stump line again, Michael Hussey gets forward and taps it down the pitch, Finn runs towards the ball

95.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, pitching outside off again, Michael Hussey watches it sail through to the keeper

95.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up angling away from Michael Hussey, he leaves it be

94.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, shapes back in from outside off, Haddin hops to get on top of the bounce and defends it solidly

94.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, into the nineties with that single, pitched up outside off, Michael Hussey gets forward and taps it to the off side

94.4 Anderson to Haddin, 1 run, fuller delivery on the middle and off, Haddin drives it to mid on, misfield from Finn, allows them to take a single

94.3 Anderson to Haddin, no run, gets behind the line of the ball and defends it down the wicket

94.3 Anderson to Haddin, wide, Harsh, as the umpires have been throughout this Test, Anderson bangs it in short, Haddin ducks, Anderson is not happy with the decision

94.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, short of a good length delivery anglin, didn't read the bounce on that delivery, played over the ball, beaten!

94.1 Anderson to Haddin, FOUR!!, mid off was standing close in, very close compared to the normal position, Haddin decides to take on the bowler and go over the man, makes some room and Smack! the ball goes over mid off, a couple of bounces and over the fence

93.6 Finn to Haddin, 3 runs, the sun is out, the ball has stopped moving around and Haddin cashes in on a fuller delivery outside off, leans nicely and drives it through the covers, comes back for the third

93.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, he goes on the backfoot and offers the full face

93.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, on the stumps this time around, Haddin stays inside the crease and pushes it to mid on

93.3 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, top shot that! waited till the last moment, it was short of a length, he opened the blade and guided it through the gully region with the cross bat, he will get a boundary

93.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, gets behind the line of the ball, defends it with the full face

93.1 Finn to Haddin, no run, lands on a length outside off, Haddin leaves it be

92.6 Anderson to Haddin, 1 run, fuller delivery angling in, Haddin gets forward and taps it to the off side, poor stuff this, Broad misfields and they take a single, Anderson is not happy

92.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, around that off stump line, Haddin gets behind the line and taps it back to Anderson

92.4 Anderson to Haddin, no run, shapes back in off the seam and traps Haddin in front of leg, appeal from Anderson and the men in the slip cordon, but it was clearly sliding down the leg

92.3 Anderson to Haddin, no run, short of a good length delivery angling in, Haddin defends it back to Anderson

92.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, angling away, Michael Hussey opens the face of the bat and pushes it to backward point, sneaks a single

92.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery shaping away, Michael Hussey leaves it be

Time for Drinks, it's been England's session but they haven't got the wickets to speak for it. And thus, the Aussies have all the right to claim that they have done well.

91.6 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, after 12 overs this morning, we've got the first boundary of the day, fuller delivery on the stumps, driven punchily straight down the ground, mid on had no chance, top shot!

91.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery outside off, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and drives it straight to mid off

91.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery shaping back in, Haddin didn't read that, shouldered arms, the ball went over the off and middle stump, the Aussie batsmen are living dangerously

91.3 Finn to Haddin, no run, Colly the man, top class fielding, it was driven hard to short cover, Collingwood puts in a splendid dive to his right and stops it with one hand

91.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, Dear! Too close to cut, but decides to do that, misses the top of the bat, the extra bounce saved Haddin from getting an edge

91.1 Finn to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery angling in, Haddin gets behind, right on top of it, defends it to the off side

90.5 Anderson to Haddin, 1 run, angling in towards Haddin, he pushes it to mid on and takes a single

90.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, leg byes, 3 runs, on the pads, Michael Hussey fails to get bat on ball, goes off the top of the pad and they run back for the third before Finn slides and throws it back

90.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, that's a cracker of a delivery!! How on earth did that miss the bat? Michael Hussey plays inside the line of a delivery that was angling away, goes just over the off stump as well, can't help but feel sorry for his luck!

90.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery pitching just outside leg and shaping away further, Michael Hussey watches Prior hop to his right and collect

90.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Anderson can't believe his luck, on a length, pitches on off and angles away, Michael Hussey plays and misses, didn't miss the outside edge by much

89.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery on middle and off, Haddin drives it wristily to mid on

89.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, fullish on leg, Michael Hussey flicks it behind square on the on side, the boundary rider keeps it down to one

89.3 Finn to Haddin, leg byes, 1 run, Loud shout for LBW, not given, to the naked eye, it looked like it was sliding down, and replays confirm it, it nipped back in sharply from outside off, hit Haddin on the knee roll, he was on his toes too, so the height would be another criterion before making the decision

89.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, lands on a length outside off, Haddin watches it sail through

89.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, fullish delivery, on the leg and middle, Michael Hussey uses his wrists and works it to mid wicket

Three slips and a gully in place for the tall right arm pacer

Steven Finn [15.0-0-61-2] is back into the attack

88.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, Another good over from Anderson, that was shaping in from outside off, Haddin decidid to go for the booming drive, played outside the line of the ball, the ball goes over the off stump, Anderson needs to be patient here, he is bowling really well!

88.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler

88.4 Anderson to Haddin, no run, pitched up outside off, Haddin drives, good diving stop out there at mid off

88.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, off stumpish line, Michael Hussey pushes it to cover and sets off for a quick single

88.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, around that off stump line, Michael Hussey defends it as he decides to stay inside the crease

88.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, gets this one to angle away from the off stump, Michael Hussey lets it through

Anderson is desperately unlucky not to get Hussey out in his previous over. Hot Spot showed that it missed the bat and flicked both the pads. That's what confused Aleem Dar. Pity that England have no reviews left...

87.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, not too short this time, allows Haddin to come on the frontfoot, defends it towards gully

87.5 Broad to Haddin, no run, angling in towards Haddin, he gets behind and defends it down the pitch

87.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, pitched up well outside off, angling in, Haddin watches it through to the keeper

87.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, sticks to the short of a good length stuff, comes back in, Haddin is on his toes as he taps it to the off side

87.2 Broad to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Haddin gets behind nicely and defends it with the full face

87.1 Broad to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery pitching outside off and shaping away, Haddin leaves it be

86.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, angling across Michael Hussey, he gets behind nicely and defends it

86.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery on the leg stump, Michael Hussey goes on the backfoot and taps it to the on side

86.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, the hit the pad campaign is on, back of a length this time, pitches outside leg and hits Michael Hussey on the pad, is Mr. Cricket struggling?

86.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Another appeal, this is much closer, there were two noises, looked plumb but, it was pitched on leg, would have gone on to hit middle and leg, replays didn't confirm an inside edge, Hussey gets away with one! Aleem Dar gets it wrong again, perhaps he thought there was an inside edge on to the pad.

86.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Deja Vu? Similar to the LBW decision a couple of overs prior to this one, raps Michael Hussey on the pad in front of leg as he fails to work it behind square, Did it pitch outside leg? May be, that's the only thing that has saved Michael Hussey! England have no reviews left!

86.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, on the pads, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and helps it towards fine leg, Finn puts in a slide and saves it!

85.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, Haddin gets forward and pushes at it, the face of the bat was opened slightly, on one bounce to Pietersen at gully

85.5 Broad to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, Haddin pats it back to Broad

85.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, that's more like it, peach! pitched up just outside off, it was angled in, shapes away after pitching, beats him all ends up!

85.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, lands on a length outside off and shapes away from Haddin, he does well to withdraw from the stroke

85.2 Broad to Haddin, no run, shortish again, pitches on leg and straightens, Haddin is on his toes as he fends it back to Broad

84.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery around that off stump, well defended off the backfoot

84.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, caught in two minds, fullish outside off again, Michael Hussey decides to let it go at the last moement, the ball takes the toe end of the bat and goes to 2nd slip on one bounce

84.3 Anderson to Haddin, 1 run, takes it from just outside off and pushes at it, the face of the bat closes and the ball goes wide of mid on

84.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, nips back in from outside off, good bounce too, Haddin gets right behind, defends it back towards Anderson

84.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, leg byes, 1 run, on the pads, goes off the pads towards short fine, Hussey is quick to sense a single, Anderson has a word or two to say to Michael Hussey

83.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, short of a good length delivery angling in, does not bounce too much, Haddin gets his bat down and defends it

83.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, around that off stump line, Michael Hussey pats it to cover and zips across for a quick single

83.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery around that off stump, well defended off the backfoot

83.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, Oooo! Interesting for any fast bowler, gets some swing away after it passes Michael Hussey, Prior dives to his left to stop it this time around

83.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, byes, 2 runs, Oops, that took off after pitching outside off, was shaping away all the way, Prior could not gather it cleanly, it hit him on the wrists and rolls towards third man, they run two!

83.1 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, short of length delivery on the leg stump, Haddin tucks it off his hips for a single

82.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Drama straight away at The Gabba, it was a legitimate delivery, it was hitting the top of the leg stump as well, but the only thing that went wrong was, the ball had pitched outside the leg stump, frustrating faces in the English camp, but technology has saved Michael Hussey, the decision is reversed!

The ball has pitched outside leg!

LBW, the umpire gives it OUT! Hussey wants a confirmation. Did it pitch outside leg? Was it hitting leg or missing it?

82.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, angling away from Hussey, left alone

82.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up and moving away outside the off stump, left alone

82.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up around that off stump line, Michael Hussey gets forward and taps it to the off side

Two slips and a gully

82.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling away, Michael Hussey stands tall and defends it back down the wicket

82.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, shortish, leg stumpish, Michael Hussey stays on the backfoot, fends it to the on side

81.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, back of a length delivery angling in, Haddin hops and taps it back down the pitch

81.5 Broad to Haddin, no run, slightly fuller outside the off stump, driven straight to short cover

80.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, pitches on leg and shapes across, Haddin gets behind the line of the ball and defends it solidly

80.1 Anderson to Haddin, no run, plenty of swing for Anderson, pitches outside off, shapes away big, Haddin does not go after it, keeper moves a couple of steps to his right to collect

James Anderson [21.0-9-40-2] will take the new ball

9:20 AM local time: (4:50 AM IST) The game will kick off in ten minutes. 'The Gabba' all set! The English bowlers may take the 2nd new ball straight away.

Twitter updates:

1. David Lloyd: Bright, but plenty of cloud around right now.

2. Michael Vaughan: The pitch has big cracks developing, a 40 run lead will be fine. If Hussey gets a big Hundred, then it will be tough for England. Early poles please. Haddin has a history of getting out early after being not out over night. Let's hope that continues. Barmy Army!!

A warm welcome to one and all, 17 overs were lost due to rain yesterday and to make up for it, we are in for an early start on Day 3. Mr. Cricket - Michael Hussey - has rescued the hosts with a fighting knock while Brad Haddin looked in good nick as he played second fiddle to Hussey yesterday. Will the English seamers make use of the conditions and make early inroads? Or Will Hussey go on to make a big one and help the Aussies take lead? This is Ajith and I'll take you through the day with my colleague Srivathsa. Stay tuned for more updates...

The second new ball is due too, which should well determine the course of this game. It promises to be another fascinating day tomorrow, mind you it is an early start; at 9:30 local, which is 05:00 AM IST. Do join us then, until then this is Srivathsa signing off on behalf of Ajith. Be well and stay happy!

A magnificent day of test match cricket. Absolutely gripping stuff indeed. Australia started off well with Watson and Katich steadily adding on the runs. Anderson bowled a dream spell, in which he removed Watson and Ponting either side of lunch. Clarke came in and was tortured by Anderson, there were innumerable play and misses from Pup before he was put out of his misery by Finn. Hussey almost fell first ball, but then counter-attacked brilliantly, pulling short balls with disdain. He neutered the threat of Swann too, making him bowl short after repeatedly dancing down the wicket. Haddin is giving him good support at the other end. England have been very disciplined in their lines and lengths, and have bowled superbly without much luck. They have lost both their referrals - when they appealed unsuccessfully against Watson and Clarke. Australia still have both their reviews remaining.

The official broadcasters have called it Stumps. Interesting indeed, the call has come soon after the rain cleared up.

Oops, it has started to rain. The tractor is not ready with the covers, Aleem Dar is furious. May be it was a good decision to walk back, the drizzle is getting heavier now!

Andrew Strauss can't believe this, he's asking the umpire the reason for walking out despite the light being turned on. He has a point to argue, Billy Doctrove does not answer him. Disappointing!

A problem with the light straight away, the umpires are having a discussion and they decide to walk back. A 'Boooooo' from the crowd.

79.6 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, Michael Hussey sees it through to the keeper

79.5 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, Michael Hussey drives it to mid off

79.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, wide, sprays it too wide outside the off stump, Michael Hussey watches it through, the umpire stretches his arms and signals it a wide

79.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller this time, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and defends it to the off side

The lights are coming on, good thinking from the match officials. When you have the light towers, why not make use of it! Looks like both teams have agreed to play under the lights, but will it be the same once the new ball is taken?

79.2 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, short of length, at a friendly pace, Michael Hussey cuts it square of the wicket on the off side, good running that!

79.1 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling across, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to cover

77.3 Collingwood to Haddin, 1 run, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and drives it to sweeper cover for a single

77.2 Collingwood to Haddin, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, Haddin drives it straight back, lands just short of the diving bowler

77.1 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 1 run, too short outside off, Michael Hussey mistimes a cut to cover, earns him a single

Paul Collingwood [2.0-1-7-0] is back into the attack

Drinks are on now

76.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, backs away looking to create some extra room, under edges a cut to Colly at first slip who dives to his right to stop it with one hand, sharp effort!

76.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, gets across and pats it towards vacant short mid wicket for a run

76.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gets Michael Hussey to come on the frontfoot, he gets an outside edge to backward point

76.3 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, nice flighted delivery outside off, Haddin leans forward and drives it to cover, sets off for a quick single

76.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, too wide, Michael Hussey reaches out for it and cuts it to Ian Bell at sweeper cover

76.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, pitches outside off and turns away further, left alone

75.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, length ball on the off stump, Haddin drives it to mid on, not neatly timed

75.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, much better this time, fuller on middle and off, Haddin works it to short mid wicket

75.4 Finn to Haddin, no run, nips back in from outside off, Haddin gets behind the line and blocks

75.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, as good as it can get, fullish outside off, Michael Hussey leans nicely and drives it to mid off, takes on the fielder and completes the single with ease

75.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, If you have been following the game closely, you might have guessed by now that this would be another pull shot! Too short, Michael Hussey is quickly on top of it, hammers the pull through mid wicket, he is showing his class out there

75.1 Finn to Haddin, 1 run, pitched up and angled in, Haddin closes the face of the bat and whips it to mid wicket, quick single taken

74.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, comes down the track and mistimes it back to Swann, got the inner edge on that occasion

74.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, leans nicely onto it, pushes it to the off side

74.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey gets forward and defends it with the full face

74.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, On song! Poor ball from Swann, drags it short outside off, Michael Hussey reaches out for it and pulls it wide of mid on, bisects the two fielders in the deep, moves into the seventies!

74.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, shortish, or was it? But Michael Hussey quickly rocks back and slaps it straight to cover

74.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up delivery outside the line of the off stump, Michael Hussey watches it through to Prior

73.6 Finn to Haddin, no run, lands on a length in front of the off stump, Haddin punches it to short cover

73.5 Finn to Haddin, no run, similar delivery but much closer to the body, Haddin pushes it to cover with an angled bat

73.4 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, short, friendly pace, sits up beautifully for Haddin to get on top of it and cut that fiercely through cover point, away she goes!

73.3 Finn to Haddin, no run, shortish outside off, Haddin plays away from the body, pushes it to backward point, good stop by Bresnan!

73.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, good length delivery on off and middle, slight shape away, Haddin gets behind and offers the full face of the bat

73.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short of length delivery on the stumps, Michael Hussey gets on top of it and turns it to mid wicket

Nothing much has happened after Tea, Will Finn produce another magic delivery to break the partnership?

Steven Finn [13.0-0-50-2] is back into the attack

72.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, gives it some air, sharp turn from outside off, Haddin gets forward and blocks

72.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, drifting in, fuller as well, Haddin defends it to the on side

72.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Michael Hussey stretches forward, opens the face of the bat and steers it wide of the point fielder for a quick single

72.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, much slower through the air, Michael Hussey gets across and turns it to short mid wicket

72.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, turns away from middle, Michael Hussey gets a nice stride forward and defends it to the off side

72.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey uses his feet to smother the spin, drives it to short extra cover

71.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, in the channel outside off, Haddin gets forward and defends it towards cover point

71.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, opens the face of the bat slightly and pushes it to short cover, he is looking to break the shackles but the bowling has been excellent

71.4 Anderson to Haddin, no run, nips back in from outside off, Haddin gets his bat down and defends it to the on side

71.3 Anderson to Haddin, no run, how often have we seen the ball miss the outside edge today? pitched up outside off, Haddin is on the frontfoot, looking to go for the drive, comprehensively beaten!

71.2 Anderson to Haddin, no run, good length delivery outside off, Haddin gets forward and defends it towards point

71.1 Anderson to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery climbing on Haddin and shaping in towards him from outside off, he does well to get behind the line and block it

70.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, chips down the track and offers dead bat

70.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, slightly flatter, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and defends it to the off side

70.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, shortish outside off, Michael Hussey waits on the backfoot and cuts it to the off side, didn't time it well

70.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, flighted delivery on off, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and taps it back to Swann

70.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, he's made this shot his own today, Swann dragged the length back as Hussey was looking to come forward, he adjusts as he goes on the backfoot and pulls it over short leg, in the gap as well, top shot!

70.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, drifts in and turns away, Michael Hussey gets forward and defends it to the off side

69.6 Anderson to Haddin, no run, fullish again, Haddin comes on the frontfoot and drives it straight to the man at cover

69.5 Anderson to Haddin, no run, gets forward to a fuller delivery and taps it towards cover

69.4 Anderson to Haddin, no run, that's missed the bat by not more than half an inch! nips away after pitching on off and middle, Haddin was pushing at it, beaten!

69.3 Anderson to Haddin, 2 runs, Haddin looks to drive a length delivery outside the off stump, did not time it well but it goes through the covers and they take two!

69.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, good fielding in the deep, it was short, Michael Hussey picked the length up and pulled that hard, Trott at fine leg makes a quick save, keeps it down to one!

69.1 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling across, Michael Hussey stands tall and pushes it to short cover

68.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, almost carried! drifts in from over the wicket and turns further in, Haddin mistimes a straight drive to Swann

68.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, gets across and pats one to silly mid on

68.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, sharp turn, fuller as well, Haddin prefers to stay on the backfoot, he taps it to the off side

68.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Michael Hussey comes down the track and flicks it to mid wicket

65.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, that's the first delivery that has gone past Michael Hussey's outside edge this session, length ball, in the corridor of uncertainty, angling across, missed by just an inch

64.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, stays inside the crease, closes the face of the bat and defends it to forward short leg

64.5 Swann to Haddin, no run, turns in after pitching on off, Haddin taps it to short leg

64.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, tosses it up a lot more inviting Michael Hussey to come forward, he acknowledges, chips down the track and drives it to mid off, Pietersen dives to his left to stop, does not prevent the single though

64.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller in length, Michael Hussey moves across and works it to short mid wicket, good diving stop by Bell

64.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, gets forward to a flighted delivery and pushes it to the off side

64.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, good bowling this, drifting in and turning away just a wee bit, Michael Hussey gets an inside edge onto the pad as he pushes forward

63.6 Broad to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery angling in, Haddin gets behind the line and defends it to the off side

63.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and defends

63.3 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, well directed bouncer again, Haddin stands on his toes and helps it to short fine leg and they cross the turf for a single

63.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, back of a length again, leg stumpish, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and taps it to the on side, takes a single

63.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length delivery angling away from Michael Hussey, he shoulders arms

62.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, needs to pitch it much fuller, this was trifle short, gives Michael Hussey ample amount of time to go on the backfoot and punch it down to long on, he retains the strike

62.5 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, he's giving it some air, Haddin gets his foot forward, to the pitch of the ball, eased down to long on

62.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, leans nicely forward and pushes it back to the bowler

62.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, tossed up delivery turning in from outside off, Haddin whips it to short mid wicket

62.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, gives it a bit of air, turns in from outside off, Haddin gets forward and blocks

62.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, chips down the track and eases it to long on for a single

61.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Mr. Cricket has batted magnificently under pressure, gets to his 22nd Test fifty with that single, full and on the pads, flicked to square leg

61.5 Broad to Haddin, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off, Haddin punches it through extra cover for a single

61.4 Broad to Haddin, no run, shortish again, just outside the off stump, Haddin is on his toes, feels for the delivery, beaten!

61.3 Broad to Haddin, no run, good bouncer that, the English bowlers have been menacing with those demon balls, around that off stump line yet again, Haddin arches back and drops his wrists, lets it through

61.2 Broad to Haddin, no run, nips back in from outside off, Haddin gets the bat down, defends it to the on side

61.1 Broad to Haddin, no run, short of length delivery shaping back in, Haddin gets behind the line of the ball and defends it back down the pitch, Broad bends down to collect

Broad to continue

60.6 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, sharp turn in towards Haddin, he tucks it off his pads to fine leg, retains the strike with that run

60.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, you can't bowl short to Michael Hussey, rocks back and pulls it through mid wicket, hit along the ground, collects three runs

60.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, leans nicely forward and taps it with the full face of the bat

60.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, on the middle and leg, Michael Hussey closes the face of the bat and taps it to the on side

60.2 Swann to Haddin, leg byes, 1 run, sharp turn from outside off, big turn that, Haddin is struck on the pad in front of middle and leg, the ball rolls towards short fine and they take a single

60.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, turns in from outside off, Haddin closes the face of the bat and taps it to the on side

Welcome back to the post tea session.

Session 2, the English dominance: Well, Test cricket - which has come under a quite a bit of criticism over the last two or three years - has been producing some amazing turnarounds in the recent past and we've witnessed one such here today. Menacing is the word that would be apt to describe the English bowlers post lunch. Anderson and Finn got the ball to swing around both ways, the Aussie batsmen had no answers whatsoever, it was Ponting to go first and Katich, Clarke and Marcus North followed him. Swann was taken for runs initially. Mike Hussey looked to counterattack as he tried to force a few fielding changes. To sum up the session in short, the English pace attack was just too good for the Aussie middle order. Will Hussey and Haddin bail the Aussies out of trouble? Or will England get the remaining wickets and take a slender lead? Do join us at 3:00 PM local time i.e 10:30 AM IST for the post-tea session.

59.6 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up in the channel outside off, Michael Hussey gets forward, shoulders arms, and with that it will be tea says Billy Doctrove and whips off the bails..

59.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, That's what Collingwood is looking for, the thickish outside edge, Michael Hussey drives loosely, bat away from the body, runs down to third man, well wide of gully

59.2 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up and moving away from well outside off, left alone

59.1 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, stifled appeal from Prior for a LBW decision, it did not swing back in that much, Michael Hussey shoulders arms, it hit him well outside the line of off, Doctrove has an easy decision to make

58.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, shortish on off, Haddin rocks back to defend

58.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, byes, 1 run, slips one down the leg side, Prior cant move across in time to collect, a bye

58.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, off the thickish inner half of the bat, lands well in front of short leg

58.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Swann knows Michael Hussey will skip down, darts it in fuller on the stumps, squeezed back to Swann

58.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey chips down, nearly yorks him, digs it back to short leg

58.1 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, turned from outside off, was in the air, bit well wide of Cook at short leg, there was no chance for him to catch that

57.6 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, well wide outside off and moving further away, left alone without a care in the world by Michael Hussey

57.5 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, good length outside off, Michael Hussey plays away from the body, patted to the off side to the cover region

57.4 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, a mistimed off drive to mid off

57.3 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, he is getting some swing in the air, but it is outside off, Michael Hussey lets it go

57.2 Collingwood to Michael Hussey, no run, keeps it full and outside off, Michael Hussey sees it like a hawk, shoulders arms

56.4 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin is displaying his footie skills here, kicks the ball back to Swann after he is hit in the groin, it spun back in, Haddin went back to clip it, missed and then as the ball was near his leg, bunted it back with his feet

56.3 Swann to Haddin, no run, Haddin defends a regulation off break from the crease

56.2 Swann to Haddin, no run, shortish on off, punched back to Swann

56.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, tossed up on off, Haddin leans forward to defend

Shane Warne tweets "England have had a good session !!! This is going to be a ripping series and a good finish to the test match!"

55.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, Michael Hussey shoulders arms

Changes the angle and comes round the wicket now

55.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Michael Hussey is killing the short ones, there is a deep square leg in place, swivels to pull, keeps it down too, Cook dives to his left at deep square, but the pace on that shot was top notch, it beat his desperate dive, Michael Hussey is batting like a dream

55.3 Finn to Haddin, 3 runs, it is now the off drive, not as well timed as the straight drive earlier on in the over, still it has enough on it to take it near the boundary ropes at long off, 3 easily stolen

55.2 Finn to Haddin, no run, the field has been scattered after the previous ball, back of a length outside off, Haddin taps it to the off side

55.1 Finn to Haddin, FOUR!!, The shot of the day so far! too full on the stumps, Haddin leant forward and timed a straight drive back past Finn, missed the stumps at the non-striker's end, beat mid on easily, lovely piece of timing, just caressed, this Haddin is a mighty fine player, that's how you play the straight drive, low backlift, high elbow and all that jazz...

54.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Peach! absolute ripper, pitches on off, draws Michael Hussey forward, then turns and bounces away from him, close to the outside edge, lots of oohs and aahs from the England camp, that was mighty close, good attacking bowling from Swann

54.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, skids straight on onto the stumps, Michael Hussey goes back to block

54.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, too full on the stumps, squeezed out to cover

54.2 Swann to Haddin, 1 run, tossed up on off, on driven to long on, Haddin is off the mark

54.1 Swann to Haddin, no run, too short from Swann, Haddin punches it back to Swann

53.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, wide of the crease goes Finn and angles a short delivery across Michael Hussey, Michael Hussey does not go for the pull, drops his wrists and lets it go

53.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, driven with no timing to mid off

53.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length outside off, Michael Hussey defends it solidly to the off side

53.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Finn, you can't bowl short to this man, especially when he is in fine nick, Michael Hussey rocked back to pull a head high ball to deep mid wicket, there is a mid wicket close to the square leg umpire, but it went well over him, Michael Hussey has to kick on for Aus

53.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, fullish outside off, Michael Hussey gets forward to ease one to the point region, played with an open face

53.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, Finn is back over the wicket, back of a length on off stump, Michael Hussey fends it awkwardly to the on side, bit of an inner edge in that defensive shot

52.6 Swann to Haddin, no run, spins back in from outside off, Haddin is unsure first up, blocks from the backfoot

Brad Haddin, right handed bat, comes to the crease

52.5 Swann to North, out Caught by Collingwood at slip!! England are fighting back and how here at the Gabba! Swann has his first Ashes wicket in Australia. Nicely bowled, not well tossed up, pulled his length back, it drew North into the forward defensive, as North came forward, it spun away enough to catch the edge, Colly at 1st slip bent down low to take a sharp catch, North is a poor player of spin and he has fallen now, another out of form player goes cheaply. North c Collingwood b Swann 1(8)

Swann to North, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

52.4 Swann to North, no run, Swann has settled into a nice groove here, tossed up on the stumps, North defends well

52.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Michael Hussey defends a full ball outside off to short cover, easy single as it is played wide of the man

52.2 Swann to North, leg byes, 1 run, lots of oohs and aahs as it goes wide of Cook at short leg, but it went off the pad

52.1 Swann to North, no run, gets forward to smother that one

Credit to Pup for walking off as he soon as he edged that. He did not wait for the ump, saw whether the catch was taken cleanly and then scooted off.

51.6 Finn to North, 1 run, North is away with a typical nudge off his hips down to fine leg

51.5 Finn to North, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, angled across, left alone

51.4 Finn to North, no run, full outside off, pushed to mid off from the crease

51.3 Finn to North, no run, tight ball first up to North, who shows the full face of the bat and defends it back to Finn, exaggerates his defensive technique by moving all across

Marcus North, left handed bat, comes to the crease

51.2 Finn to Clarke, out Caught by Prior!! The bowling change has worked! This time Clarke has to go, technology cant save him. Nothing shot really, trying to pull a back of a length ball which was rapidly rising on him, he goes to fetch an ambitious pull from outside off, it hits the back of the bat and the top edge settles in Prior's mitts, Finn and England get their man, end of a scratchy, troublesome innings from Pup. He looked like getting out any time and is finally gone now. Clarke c Prior b Finn 9(50)

Finn to Clarke, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

51.1 Finn to Clarke, no run, good ball to start off a fresh spell, full and on the stumps, Clarke shows the full face of the bat and defends it back to Finn

Steven Finn [10.0-0-34-1] is back into the attack

50.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, pushed back to Swann's right, he fumbles, still there is no chance of a single

50.4 Swann to Clarke, 1 run, short and spinning back in on the middle and leg, Clarke rocks back to lap a pull to backward square leg

50.3 Swann to Clarke, no run, Clarke gets too close to the pitch of the ball this time, jams it back to Swann

50.2 Swann to Clarke, no run, Clarke is looking to take on Swann here, dances down and drives straight to the fielder at mid off

50.1 Swann to Clarke, no run, Clarke gets forward and smothers the spin

49.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length and angling away from outside off, Michael Hussey lifts his bat and lets it go

49.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, too short again, Michael Hussey is looking in fine nick, plays the late cut, beating backward point, Michael Hussey arched his back, stayed beside the line and slammed it away, he is racing away to a good score

49.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, cutter from Broad, the off cutter, slightly slower on off stump, Michael Hussey defends easily

49.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, too wide for Michael Hussey to have a dart at that, he lets it go

49.1 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, angling into the left hander from round the wicket, Michael Hussey defends with conviction to the on side

The first hour after lunch was one of the best spells of test match cricket I have seen in a long long time, the English seamers bowled outstandingly well. They looked like taking a wicket with every ball. Credit to Clarke and Michael Hussey for battling through that phase though.

48.6 Swann to Clarke, no run, a first MAIDEN OVER!! for Swann and that should give him confidence, driven to short cover where Bell moves to his right to stop

48.5 Swann to Clarke, no run, driven to mid off, cant find the gap though

48.4 Swann to Clarke, no run, Swann is settling into a nice line and a length here, Clarke stretches forward to defend

48.3 Swann to Clarke, no run, good fielding from Bell at short cover, punched to his left, he dives and cuts it off

48.2 Swann to Clarke, no run, there he is, chipping down and pushing it to silly mid on

48.1 Swann to Clarke, no run, Swann continues to stay round the wicket, Clarke is looking to chip down, gets forward and defends

47.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey plays close to his body, dabs a length ball outside off to the slip cordon, all along the ground mind you

47.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off, Michael Hussey pushes it from the crease to mid off

47.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey gets to play at one which came back in, defends it with soft hands to a ball on the off stump

47.3 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, that is the line and the length to bowl on this, fuller and wanting Michael Hussey to play outside off, Michael Hussey resists and lets it go

47.2 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, nice pace and carry for Broad as he comes round the wicket and angles one in, Michael Hussey leaves on length, good carry through to Prior

47.1 Broad to Clarke, 1 run, length ball and angling into the right hander, Clarke closes the face of the bat and tucks it to fine leg

46.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Ripper of a delivery that one! good comeback from Swann, pitches outside off and rips away with plenty of bounce, Michael Hussey went back to defend and was comfortably beaten

46.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Emphatic! much more confident pull, not all that short, but Michael Hussey used the depth of the crease to create the room and than blasted a pull to deep mid wicket, suddenly Swann is under the pump

46.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey gets forward to smother this flighted delivery on the stumps

46.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, too short from Swann, Michael Hussey rocks back, pulls it with the turn to deep mid wicket, Michael Hussey kept it down as well, placed in the gap, top shot!

46.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, leans forward to defend this one

46.1 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up outside off, driven to short cover where Anderson dives to his right to save a few runs

And with that, it's time for drinks. It's been a session that's belonged to the English. The Aussies should have been 4 down, but Clarke has survived thanks to the inconclusive replays.

45.6 Broad to Clarke, no run, gets the ball to kick off the deck, Clarke drops his wrists and lets it go

45.5 Broad to Clarke, no run, beauty from Broad! shapes away after pitching on off, Clarke was feeling for it, misses the outside edge by a whisker

45.4 Broad to Clarke, no run, good bouncer this, he is sticking to the short of length stuff, Clarke ducks and lets it go past

45.3 Broad to Clarke, no run, well directed again, good bouncer, Clarke hops back and the ball climbs onto him, looks to fend it on the backfoot, takes the glove and it falls short of the man at short leg

45.2 Broad to Clarke, no run, short of length delivery outside off, Clarke hops on the backfoot to defend it

45.1 Broad to Clarke, no run, good bouncer but down the leg side, left alone

44.6 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, slightly quicker, Michael Hussey defends it down the wicket

44.5 Swann to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, shortish, Michael Hussey rocks back, waits on the backfoot, cuts it hard and cuts it wide of the man at point, they have decided not to let Swann settle down!

44.4 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, plays it late, opens the face of the bat and steers it to backward point

44.3 Swann to Michael Hussey, SIX!!, the Aussies are known to counter attack, Michael Hussey does it in style, chips down the track and lofts him over mid on, watches it disappear over the long on boundary, top shot!

44.2 Swann to Michael Hussey, no run, on target, pitches on off and straightens, Michael Hussey stays on the backfoot, defends it with the full face

44.1 Swann to Clarke, 1 run, turns in towards Clarke, he closes the face of the bat and turns it past forward short leg

A slip and a forward short leg for Clarke

And finally, it's Graeme Swann [2.0-0-15-0] who is is back into the attack

43.6 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, moves away, Michael Hussey leaves it be

43.5 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, lands on a length and kicks off the deck, shaping away from the off stump, left alone

43.4 Broad to Michael Hussey, no run, short of a good length delivery on the middle and off, Michael Hussey gets forward and defends it down the wicket

43.2 Broad to Clarke, 1 run, tucks it off his pads past the short leg fielder for a single, just to the right of the man, Broad thought there was a chance!

43.1 Broad to Clarke, no run, Nasty! Nasty stuff this! Superb bouncer from Broad, Clarke was clueless, didn't know what to do, got himself to an awkward position, hangs his bat and takes his eyes off the ball, Smack! That hit him right on the helmet near the temples, Broad gives him a stare, absolutely unmoved!

42.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angling in from wide of the crease, Michael Hussey fails to glance that, off the pads to the on side, they do not take the single

42.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length and angled in, Michael Hussey hops across and fends it to the on side

42.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, too full on the middle and off, Michael Hussey digs it to the off side

42.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, Michael Hussey is too strong on the pull, Finn bangs it short, easily done by Michael Hussey, shifts his weight onto the backfoot and rolls his wrists over it, the ball beats the fine leg fielder as it races away to the backward square leg boundary

42.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, shortish again, Michael Hussey goes on the backfoot and taps it towards short cover

42.1 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery from round the wicket, Michael Hussey gets behind and defends it back down the pitch

41.6 Broad to Clarke, no run, back of a length outside off, Clarke opens the face of the bat and guides it to Pietersen at gully

41.5 Broad to Clarke, 4 runs, lands on a length outside off, Clarke pushes it through mid off, the fielder wasn't quick enough to move towards the ball but the batsmen were, lightning quick running between the wickets help them run 4 before Anderson from mid on runs after it and pulls it back

41.4 Broad to Clarke, no run, fuller delivery angling in, Clarke taps it to the on side towards short mid wicket

41.3 Broad to Clarke, no run, short of length delivery outside off, good bounce and carry through to the keeper

41.2 Broad to Clarke, no run, shapes back in from outside off, Clarke is late on it, but gets his bat down in just about the right time, defends it to the off side

41.1 Broad to Clarke, no run, pitches it up well outside off, Clarke puts his leg forward and lets it through

Stuart Broad [12.0-2-22-0] is back into the attack

Coming back to the caught behind that went in favor of the batsman, Snicko indicated a faint nick, but the umpires are not allowed to use that during the referral! Makes me wonder why! And with that, the question comes up again. Is the technology accurate enough for the ICC to employ the UDRS in every Test series? If a snicko can help the umpires make a better decision, why not use it? Sounds Ridiculous! The hot spot didn't spot the edge, but the snicko did! Clarkey, you are lucky!

40.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, around that off stump line, Michael Hussey comes on the frontfoot and taps it towards cover point

40.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up just outside the off stump, angling away from Michael Hussey, he watches it through to the keeper

40.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, on the middle and leg this time, Michael Hussey gets right behind and pushes it back to the bowler

40.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, FOUR!!, fraction too short, Michael Hussey gets on top of it and pulls it handsomely to break the shackles, that will give him some confidence, top shot! It was in the air but well wide of the man at mid wicket

39.6 Anderson to Clarke, no run, gets the ball to kick off the deck, shapes away slightly, was off a length, left alone

39.5 Anderson to Clarke, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Clarke gets right on top of it, defends it back to Anderson

39.4 Anderson to Clarke, no run, fullish and angling in, Clarke closes the face of the bat and drives but finds the man at short mid wicket

39.3 Anderson to Clarke, no run, almost a leg cutter, but no difference in pace, in the corridor of uncertainty, Clarke was fishing at it, beaten! Fine spell of fast bowling this

39.2 Anderson to Clarke, no run, length ball outside off, Clarke gets forward and pushes it to mid off

39.1 Anderson to Clarke, no run, fuller delivery on the stumps, Clarke comes on the frontfoot and pats it to the on side towards mid on

38.6 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, pitched up outside off and moving away, Michael Hussey leaves it be

38.5 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, gets forward and defends it to the off side

38.4 Finn to Clarke, 1 run, short of a good length delivery on the middle, Clarke taps it to the on side, poor field placing, there is nobody close in on the on side, they sneak in a single

38.3 Finn to Clarke, no run, Technology has saved Clarke, but to me, there was a nick on that one, and trust me, this game is not for the light hearted ones! It was short, nipping back in, Clarke ended up playing outside the line of the delivery, there was a sound when the bat came close to the bat, there was a clear deviation too, Prior took it safely behind the stumps, hot spot does not pick the inside edge, Clarke gets a life! Strauss shakes his head in disappointment, they have lost all their reviews now!

The English feel that there was an inside edge on that one, they are going for the referral, did Clarke nick it is the question? Legitimate delivery, clean catch by Prior. Lets see!

38.2 Finn to Clarke, no run, tight line and length from Finn, shapes back in from outside off, Clarke decides to go for a brave leave, that was not too far away from the off stump

38.1 Finn to Clarke, no run, angling back towards Finn, he pushes it back down the wicket, Finn dives to his right and stops the ball, he's pumped up, two new men at the crease, superb stuff this!

37.6 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, short of a good length delivery on the middle and leg, does not bounce much, Michael Hussey taps it back down the pitch to the on side

37.5 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery on the leg stump, Michael Hussey taps it to the on side

37.4 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, good length delivery just outside off, Michael Hussey puts his leg forward, lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper

37.3 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, Michael Hussey is finding it a bit uncomfortable to move his feet, back of a length and angling away, goes to gully off the outer half of the bat

37.2 Anderson to Michael Hussey, no run, hits the deck hard, short of length delivery on the middle and leg, Michael Hussey stands tall and fends it back to Anderson

36.6 Finn to Clarke, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, Clarke ducks and lets it go past

36.5 Finn to Clarke, no run, another peach! These English bowlers looks like they have had Popeye's Spinach for lunch, shapes away after pitching on off, Clarke was feeling for it, misses the outside edge by a whisker! Treat to a cricket lover!

36.4 Finn to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short again, Michael Hussey taps it to the off side and he wants a single, Finn runs wide to collect the ball, Clarke collides with him, drops his bat but makes it safely, the fielders need to be close in, they didn't want to give away a single, Michael Hussey was struggling to face Finn!

36.3 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length delivery pitching outside leg and shaping across, Michael Hussey fends it to the on side

36.2 Finn to Michael Hussey, no run, it's all happening here, that's what makes Test cricket all the more exciting, it was sprayed wide, lured Michael Hussey to go for the drive, he gets an outside edge, Swann at second slip dives forward to his left, the ball falls just short of him, disappointing faces at the English camp, some of them thought it carried, but to be fair to Swanny, it didn't

Michael Hussey, left handed bat, comes to the crease

36.1 Finn to Katich, out Caught&Bowled!! Boy o Boy, are we in for a turnaround? The shuffling across does not work for him this time around, it was too full, outside the off stump, the cliched shuffle from Katich, gets close to the line of the delivery and chips it straight back to the bowler, the ball held up a little bit, Finn uses his height - the 6 foot 7 inch fast bowler dives fully forward, takes it with both hands, top class effort off his own follow-through!! Katich c and b Finn 50(106) [4s-5]

Finn to Katich, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!

35.6 Anderson to Clarke, no run, lands on a length and shapes in slightly, Clarke comes on the frontfoot and taps it towards gully

35.5 Anderson to Clarke, no run, short of a good length outside off, Clarke puts his leg forward, leaves it be

35.4 Anderson to Clarke, no run, nips back in from outside off, Clarke gets an inside edge onto the pads, the ball rolls to the off side

35.3 Anderson to Clarke, no run, that goes the other way, he is all over Clarke over here, draws Clarke forward and gets the ball to shape away, beaten comprehensively!

35.2 Anderson to Clarke, no run, he's having a dream spell soon after lunch, nips back in from outside off, takes the inside edge and hits Clarke on the back leg, louuuuuuuuud appeal from Anderson, turned down!

35.1 Anderson to Clarke, no run, length ball outside the off stump, Clarke leaves it be

34.6 Finn to Katich, no run, back of a length again, around that off stump, Katich shuffles across and taps it to the off side

34.5 Finn to Katich, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle, Katich stays on the backfoot and fends it down the wicket

34.4 Finn to Katich, FOUR!!, What Ponting couldn't execute, Katich has done it in style, moves a long way across, takes it from the middle stump and tickles it to the fine leg boundary, gets to his 25th Test fifty, raises his bat to acknowledge the applause!

34.3 Finn to Katich, no run, good length delivery angling across, Katich watches it through to the keeper, good leave!

34.2 Finn to Katich, no run, slightly back of a length, pitches outside off and swings across, Katich goes on the backfoot and defends it to the on side

34.1 Finn to Katich, no run, fuller delivery on the off stump, Katich gets across, behind the line of the ball, drives it to mid off

Steven Finn [5.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack

33.6 Anderson to Clarke, no run, lands on a length outside off, Clarke puts his leg forward and shoulders arms

33.5 Anderson to Clarke, no run, pitched up outside off, probing line and length, Clarke gets forward and decides to let that one go past

33.4 Anderson to Clarke, no run, good length delivery nipping back in, Clarke gets an inside edge onto the pads, the ball rolls to the off side

33.3 Anderson to Clarke, no run, beauty of a delivery that! full and outside off, luring Clarke to go for the drive, a play and a miss

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease

33.2 Anderson to Ponting, out Caught by Prior!! That's a welcome gift from Ponting to the English cricketers, the leg glance has cost him dear, it was angling in from the middle stump, Ponting moves across looking to tickle it fine, the bat pad goes straight to Prior behind the stumps, he is elated! Ponting never looked comfortable all morning, and it's James Anderson again! Ponting c Prior b Anderson 10(26) [4s-1]

Anderson to Ponting, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

33.1 Anderson to Ponting, no run, starts off with a short of a good length delivery on the off stump, Ponting gets behind and defends it back to Anderson

Will English bowlers effect a turnaround in the post-lunch session? Will Ponting and Co. take the Aussies closer to the English total? Welcome back as we bring you all the action. The players are out on the field.

Session 1, how things panned out: The English bowlers missed a trick or two initially, they were either too full or too short, allowing the batsmen to score freely. Watson was immaculate with his straight drives, Katich did a lot of shuffling trying to adjust to the line of the delivery every now and then. There were a few close shaves, a run out chance that went begging, an LBW decision that was initially given out but then reversed after Katich opted for the referral. Another review went against the English but the much needed wicket arrived immediately after that. It was their rescue man - James Anderson - who produced the breakthrough getting rid of Watson with a peach. Ponting walked in and ensured that the English didn't enjoy any further inroads into the Aussie batting. He took some time to settle in, looked a touch edgy but made sure he didn't give away his wicket. In short, it's a session that has mainly belonged to the Aussies. Do join us at 12:40 PM local time (8:10 AM IST) for the post-lunch session.

32.6 Swann to Ponting, 3 runs, A fine shot to end the session, it was spinning back in sharply, Ponting rocked back and cut it square of the wicket, 3 taken easily, the normally cheerful Swann isn't happy with that effort from his mates, Bresnan was the fielder, he threw it back to Bell, it is lunch on day 2

32.5 Swann to Ponting, no run, Ponting is struck well outside the line of off as Ponting leant forward to defend

32.4 Swann to Ponting, no run, nudges one to the on side

32.3 Swann to Ponting, no run, tossed up on off stump, Ponting gets forward and defends

32.2 Swann to Katich, 1 run, turns it to square leg, it was on middle stump, no turn for Swann that time

32.1 Swann to Ponting, 1 run, spin for Swann, but it is too short, Ponting swivels to pull it to fine leg

Graeme Swann [1.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

31.6 Anderson to Katich, no run, good bowling from Anderson, in the corridor, forcing a thickish outside edge that runs to Bell's left at 4th slip, good stop too

31.4 Anderson to Ponting, no run, this one moves in to hit the pad, it was sliding down the leg side, though, Ponting missed out on the glance

31.3 Anderson to Ponting, no run, Ooh! that one straightened on middle, Ponting was looking to work it away, closed the face, the leading edge went to KP along the ground, Ponting is not looking convincing at all

31.2 Anderson to Ponting, no run, back of a length and on off, comfortably defended off the backfoot

31.1 Anderson to Ponting, no run, lovely delivery, pitches on off, straightens, draws Ponting forward for the defensive stroke, it moves away ever so slightly to miss the outside edge, even Ponting is impressed has a wry smile on his face after being beaten comprehensively

30.6 Broad to Katich, no run, full and slants away from outside off, easily left alone by Katich

30.5 Broad to Katich, no run, Katich defends from the crease and shouts 'waitttttttttttttttt' to Ponting

30.4 Broad to Ponting, 1 run, short ball down the leg side, Ponting is willing to pull, goes off the glove to fine leg

30.3 Broad to Ponting, no run, good bowling, drawing Ponting forward, Broad forces a thick edge from Ponting, it dribbles to KP at gully

30.2 Broad to Katich, 1 run, Katich defends a back of a length ball to the off side, there is a sweeper out there, he jogs through for the single

30.1 Broad to Katich, no run, the round-the-wicket angle to Katich, he defends it to the on side, sends Ponting back again

29.6 Anderson to Ponting, no run, much more convincing from Ponting, standing tall and defending a back of a length ball outside off towards cover

29.5 Anderson to Ponting, FOUR!!, Ponting gets off the mark in a streaky fashion, got forward and pushed out at it, he always does so, the thick edge runs wide of KP at gully, lots of oohs and aahs from the English fielders, it was in the air, but well wide of KP

29.4 Anderson to Ponting, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, Ponting gets forward, shoulders arms

29.3 Anderson to Katich, 1 run, Katich nudges one to the on side to bring Ponting on strike

29.2 Anderson to Katich, 2 runs, That is not how you play the off drive, only Katich can play like that, fullish outside off, Katich closes the face of the bat too early, bunts it to long off for a couple

28.6 Broad to Ponting, no run, wasted delivery, shoves one down the leg side

28.5 Broad to Ponting, no run, there comes the short delivery, but it is well outside off, Ponting ducks under that comfortably

28.4 Broad to Katich, 1 run, easy single, patted in front of cover, there is a deep cover point for Katich and Mark Taylor on air asks: "I have no idea why a fielder should be there as soon as the batsman crosses 40".

28.3 Broad to Katich, no run, far too wide for Katich to play a shot, Katich lets it go

28.2 Broad to Katich, no run, Katich gets forward and defends it in his own inimitable style to a length ball on off stump

28.1 Broad to Katich, no run, angled across Katich on a back of a length, left alone

27.6 Anderson to Ponting, no run, good lines these from Anderson, keeps it full outside off, Ponting gets forward, shoulders arms

27.5 Anderson to Ponting, no run, 2 men in the deep for Ponting, they want him to play the hook/pull, but this time it is a full ball, Ponting gets forward and pushes it back to Anderson

27.4 Anderson to Katich, 1 run, back of a length and on middle, Katich goes back and turns it to square leg, only a single

27.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, back to normal lines, in the channel outside off, Katich shoulders arms

27.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, Oh! That almost clipped the outside of the leg stump, Katich moves across, Anderson slings one down the leg side, it is close to the leg stump and Anderson knows it

27.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, Katich shuffles across, gets a thickish edge along the ground, good stop by Bell at the 4th slip position

26.6 Broad to Ponting, no run, back of a length and on the ribs of Ponting, who goes back and defends it to short leg

26.5 Broad to Katich, 1 run, Katich gets forward, pushes into the vacant spaces on the off side for a single

26.4 Broad to Katich, no run, good forward defense from Katich, it was a length ball on off stump

26.3 Broad to Katich, no run, bouncer from Broad, but Katich ducks under that comfortably

26.2 Broad to Katich, no run, pitched up on off stump, Katich eases it to the off side, sends back Ponting who wanted the single

26.1 Broad to Katich, no run, back of a length and it is outside off, Katich shoulders arms

Stuart Broad [9.0-2-18-0] is back into the attack

25.6 Anderson to Ponting, no run, this one is good one to end a fabulous over, he has been tight all over, got a wicket too, nips back in slightly from outside off, swings after Ponting left that alone, settles in Prior's gloves

25.5 Anderson to Ponting, no run, make that 3 in a row, Anderson is plugging away in that outside off region, Ponting keeps leaving them

25.4 Anderson to Ponting, no run, and again, in the channel outside off, left alone

25.3 Anderson to Ponting, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, Ponting moves across to off and shoulders arms

Ricky Ponting, right handed bat, comes to the crease

25.2 Anderson to Watson, out Caught by Strauss!! The reward for bowling a consistent line and length has paid off for Anderson here, back of a length and straightens around off, Watson looks to defend, it takes the shoulder of the bat and a healthy edge to Strauss at 1st slip, comfortable height to catch as well, easily taken and England have broken through, Anderson is delighted. Enter Punter. Watson c Strauss b Anderson 36(76) [4s-6]

Anderson to Watson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

25.1 Anderson to Watson, no run, England have lost a review!, nips back in from outside off, Watson is struck on the pad as he came forward to defend, the ball was going on to clip the outside of leg stump, but the original call will stay

Are England going in for the review? yes they are, Watson is judged not-out as Anderson goes up in an appeal for a LBW

24.6 Finn to Katich, no run, short ball, does not rise that much, it is outside off, Katich lets it go

24.5 Finn to Katich, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

24.4 Finn to Katich, 2 runs, poor from Anderson, it was patted to him at short cover, he ran across and fired a throw at the non-striking end, Katich was well in, Bresnan has come as a sub and he has to make the running, they take an extra run

24.3 Finn to Katich, 2 runs, too straight on the stumps, Katich plays one of his trade-mark nudges to fine leg for a couple

24.2 Finn to Katich, no run, full and on off stump, Katich gets forward and pushes it to the off side

24.1 Finn to Katich, no run, Katich is not looking convincing at all, short and directed across him, Katich was looking to leave it alone, it follows him, rams into his left shoulder and Swann from 2nd slip moves quickly to his left to stop it

23.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, back of a length and it is on off stump, Watson blocks again

23.5 Anderson to Watson, no run, nips back in from outside off, Watson covers the stumps and defends compactly

23.4 Anderson to Katich, 3 runs, too full outside off, Katich gets forward and just pushes it with soft hands past mid off for a comfortable three

23.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, full and angling away outside off, left alone

23.2 Anderson to Katich, FOUR!!, Anderson looks for the same delivery to trap Katich again, but Katich gets inside the line and glances it to fine leg, played really fine and it raced away, Anderson was not happy with the result of the previous ball and sprayed it down leg

23.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, What a good review that by Katich! pitches on off and nips back in, Katich shuffles across, plays outside the line of the ball, it hits Katich high on the pads, above the knee roll, Doctrove gave it out, but replays show it was comfortably missing the stumps, Anderson isn't happy, has a chat with Watson

It is a legal delivery, no inside edge onto the pads too, but struck a bit high, above the knee roll, replays show that it is missing the stumps, so Katich will stay

Katich is given out LBW, he is going for the review

22.6 Finn to Watson, no run, shoves one short down the leg side, wasted ball really

22.5 Finn to Watson, FOUR!!, too full and Watson cashes in, Watson gets forward and though the timing is not that pure, it races away to the cover fence, Watson got forward and drove it on the up, Strauss has a worried look on his face, Finn is either too full or too short, needs to learn quickly

22.4 Finn to Watson, no run, full and slanted in to Watson, Watson jams it out to Anderson fielding at the silly mid on position, Andy leaps high and fields

22.3 Finn to Watson, no run, nudges one to the on side, short mid wicket moves to his right to cut it off

22.2 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length and angling in to off stump, bit of extra bounce too, but Watson rises onto his toes, drops it with soft hands, looks for the single, is not there though

22.1 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length on off stump, Watson defends it to gully off the backfoot

Two slips, a gully and a silly mid on close to the non-striker in place for Watson

21.6 Anderson to Katich, no run, angled across Katich, who is happy to leave it alone, he has been fabulous this morning in his judgement of leaving deliveries outside off

21.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, Well bowled! Keeps it on the stumps, slight shape back in to Katich as well, Katich looks to nudge it on the on side, gets an inner edge on to his back pad

21.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, poor bowling, slings one down the leg side, perhaps Anderson was zeroing in on the leg stump, everyone knows how Katich shuffles across so much, but it is ill directed this time

21.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, Katich moves across to cover the off stump, defends it back to Anderson

21.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, slanted across Katich, fuller and angling away, left alone easily

21.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, Katich shuffles across and taps a length delivery on middle stump to the on side

20.6 Finn to Watson, no run, good bowling this, keeps it full and in the corridor of uncertainty, Watson has been good all morning in leaving those, does so again

20.5 Finn to Watson, no run, Finn brings out the bouncer, it is not that well directed, it is outside off, Watson drops his wrists and lets it go

20.4 Finn to Watson, no run, fullish outside off, Watson plays it with an open face towards gully, Watson defended that well too

20.3 Finn to Watson, FOUR!!, Magnificent straight drive! it was in the slot as well, too full from Finn, Watson leant forward and drove it hard into the ground, Finn stretched his right hand out to stop, could not reach it, mid on had no chance, top shot that from the increasingly solid looking Watto

20.2 Finn to Watson, no run, this one straightens and holds it's line after pitching outside off, Watson shoulders arms

20.1 Finn to Watson, no run, good ball, back of a length and nips back in from outside off, it is close to the off stump, but Watson judges it well and lets it go

Australia have built on the advantage by steadily building their score. England badly need a wicket, or else they might have to chase leather all day...

That's drinks on a hot and a humid day at The Gabba!

19.6 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, Katich goes across, lifts his bat and lets it go

19.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Katich gets across and defends it to the on side

19.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, short of a good length delivery angling away from Katich, he is happy to leave such deliveries, he know that Watto is scoring well at the other end, no need for him to take any risk

19.3 Anderson to Watson, leg byes, 1 run, full and sliding down the leg, Watson is rapped on the pad and the ball goes ambling towards square leg, single taken!

19.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, gets forward and plays it with soft hands, played slightly inside the line of the ball, it goes off the outside edge to gully on one bounce

19.1 Anderson to Watson, 2 runs, pitched up on the pads, Watson clips it off his pads wide of the man at fine leg, comes back and completes the second run!

James Anderson [7.0-2-18-0] is back into the attack Where is Swann?

18.6 Finn to Katich, no run, too full, yorker length delivery around that off stump, Katich goes on the backfoot and digs it to the off side, well bowled!

18.5 Finn to Katich, no run, pitched up and moving away, Katich leaves it be

18.4 Finn to Katich, no run, short of length again, Katich gets behind, stands tall and defends it to the off side

18.3 Finn to Watson, 1 run, full and outside off, Watson leans forward, gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to deep square leg, Finn is getting rid of the ball from way behind the crease, the umpire would not get to signal a no-ball when this bloke is bowling for sure

18.2 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Watson lifts his arms and lets it go through to Prior

18.1 Finn to Watson, no run, that's more like it young man, nips back in from outside off, Watson shoulders arms

17.6 Broad to Katich, no run, pitched up outside the off stump, Katich watches it through to the keeper

17.5 Broad to Katich, no run, pitches outside off, no problems for Katich, left alone

17.4 Broad to Katich, no run, gets it to bounce, well directed as well, hits Katich high on the arm as Katich takes evasive action, the ball goes towards short fine leg, they run for a single but the umpire signals a dead ball!

17.3 Broad to Katich, no run, pitches it up and gets it to nip back in, Katich shuffles across as he has been doing all through his career, shoulders arms

17.2 Broad to Katich, no run, angled in from round the wicket, Katich goes on the backfoot and defends it to the on side

17.1 Broad to Katich, no run, short of a good length delivery outside off, Katich lifts his bat and lets it go

16.6 Finn to Watson, no run, pitched up outside off, Watson stretches forward and mistimes the straight drives to the off side past the bowler

16.5 Finn to Watson, FOUR!!, that has to be the shot of the day, the ball had 'Hit me' written all over it, just a small stride forward, executes the on-drive to perfection, between the bowler and mid on, the tall right arm pacer needs to know that he can't overpitch to this man in particular, he's too strong on the frontfoot

16.4 Finn to Watson, no run, back of a length delivery nipping back in from outside off, Watson stays on the backfoot, defends it towards gully

16.3 Finn to Katich, 3 runs, full and on the leg stump, Katich flicks it through mid wicket, runs three, 50 is up for the Aussies

16.2 Finn to Katich, no run, pitches outside leg, Katich shuffles across and lets it go past the leg stump

16.1 Finn to Katich, no run, length ball outside leg to start with, left alone, the tall fast bowler will be hoping to get some movement off the deck

Steven Finn, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

15.6 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson gets forward and defends it to the off side towards point

15.5 Broad to Watson, no run, My word! It's all happening out here, terrific bouncer from Broad, Watson was in no position to play at that, the ball was climbing on him, he wanted to let it go, then decided to hook it, ended up doing a bit of both, hits him on his arm and it almost rolls back onto the stumps, Watson turns back and kicks the ball out of harm's way, fabulous effort ball that!

15.4 Broad to Katich, 1 run, gets a long way across and works it behind square on the on side, takes a single

15.3 Broad to Katich, no run, back of a length angling in, Katich goes on the backfoot and hangs his bat at it, goes off the outside edge to gully, on one bounce to the fielder

15.2 Broad to Katich, no run, length ball outside the off stump, Katich comes close to the line of the ball decides to lift his arms and let it go past

15.1 Broad to Katich, no run, shortish, angles it back in from round the wicket, Katich shuffles across and shoulders arms

The stands are almost full, support for both the teams. Beautiful atmosphere here at the Gabba!

14.6 Anderson to Katich, 1 run, gets behind and drives it with soft hands towards cover, a single to retain the strike

14.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, too full and wide outside off this time around, Katich leaves it be

14.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitches it up around that off stump line and gets it to angle away, Katich shoulders arms

14.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, short of length delivery shaping away, outside the off stump line, not much bounce, left alone

14.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, length ball on the pads, Katich is on the backfoot, taps it to the on side

14.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Katich shuffles across and taps it to the off side

13.6 Broad to Watson, no run, gets forward and drives again, Anderson at mid off does well to run in, puts in a dive and prevents a boundary.

13.5 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson goes on the backfoot and defends it to the off side

13.4 Broad to Watson, no run, pitched up outside off, Watson gets forward and taps it to the off side

13.3 Broad to Watson, FOUR!!, breaks the shackles with a good looking straight drive, gets nicely forward, it was slightly overpitched, Watson drives it between the bowler and mid off, there's no stopping that! Nice follow-through off the bat, a photographer's delight

13.2 Broad to Watson, no run, Peach!! Absolute Jaffa! pitches just outside off, it was angling in, kicks off a length and straightens, Watson gets squared up, beats the outside edge of the bat by a whisker, brushes the shoulder and goes to the keeper

13.1 Broad to Watson, no run, gets the ball to kick off the deck, outside the off stump line, Watson shoulders arms

12.6 Anderson to Katich, no run, fuller delivery outside off, Katich gets behind the line and drives it to extra cover

12.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitched up outside off, Katich leaves it be

12.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, shapes away as Katich comes on the frontfoot and looks to go for the booming drive, a play and a miss! This is good bowling from Anderson

12.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, Oh dear! A run-out chance gone begging! Katich taps it to the off side, wants a single, was half way down the track when Watson sent him back, it was Cook at point, he did well to move quickly to his left, took a lot of time to get rid of the ball, Prior was not backing up, Cook does not produce the direct hit, Katich lives to fight another day!

12.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitches outside off and shapes away, left alone

11.6 Broad to Watson, no run, looked plumb to the naked eye, but Watson may have gotten an inside edge on that one, pushes forward as the length delivery nips back in and strikes him on the pad, louuuuud appeal that from the English fielders, replays confirmed that there was a big inside edge!

11.5 Broad to Watson, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Watson stands tall and defends it to the off side

11.4 Broad to Watson, no run, the first bouncer of the day, well directed, Watson ducks and Prior hops to collect it nice and clean

11.2 Broad to Watson, no run, on a length, probing line and length that, Watson gets forward and defends it to the off side towards point

11.1 Broad to Watson, no run, gets forward to a good length delivery on the middle stump, defends it with the full face of the bat

10.6 Anderson to Katich, FOUR!!, that was deliberately played, sees the width, shuffles across and opens the face of the bat to guide the ball between the man at second slip and gully, rolls down to the third man boundary, delicate stuff that!

10.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, back of a length delivery, around that off stump line, Katich gets his body completely behind the line of the ball, defends it down the pitch

10.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, gets behind the line of the ball and pushes it to short cover

10.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, he is going on the backfoot, which allows him that extra bit of time to see the ball, another one angling away from him, left alone

10.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitched up outside off, Katich watches it carefully and lets it go at the last moment

10.1 Anderson to Watson, leg byes, 1 run, angling in after pitching on middle and off, takes the top of the pad and the ball rolls towards square leg, Anderson appeals, it was sliding down the leg

9.6 Broad to Katich, no run, short of a good length delivery outside off, Katich lifts his bat and lets it go

9.5 Broad to Katich, no run, Broad comes round the wicket, the ball nips back in from well outside off, Katich moves across, as he usually does, defends it solidly

9.4 Broad to Watson, 3 runs, length ball on the middle and leg, Watson clips it off his pads, long boundaries here in Australia, allows Watson to go and complete the third run

9.3 Broad to Watson, no run, pitches outside off again, Watson puts his leg forward, lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper

9.2 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson goes on the backfoot and defends it towards gully with the open face of the bat

9.1 Broad to Watson, no run, pitched up outside off, not much movement, left alone

8.6 Anderson to Katich, 2 runs, pitched up outside off, Katich shuffles across and drives it past cover point for a couple

8.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, Oh dear, that was close! Jaffa of a delivery from Anderson, nips back in from outside off, Katich plays outside the line, the ball brushes the top of the pad, the keeper collects it, loud appeal from the bowler and the men behind the stumps, Aleem Dar says No, Strauss does not go for the review!

8.4 Anderson to Watson, 1 run, pitched up on the pads, worked away behind square on the on side

8.3 Anderson to Watson, FOUR!!, that's got the crowd going, short of length delivery from Anderson, Watson gets right on top of it and pulls it in the air, fetches it from well outside off as it swings away, over the man at short mid wicket, Broad could not prevent the ball from reaching the boundary

Some issues behind the bowler's arm. The problem that we often encounter in the sub-continent. Or is it? Naa, Watson is just getting the sight-screen adjusted.

8.2 Anderson to Katich, 1 run, not much pace, leg stumpish again, Katich tucks it to square leg and ambles across for a single

8.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, pitches outside leg and shapes across, hits Katich on the thigh as he is ready to get his body in the way

James Anderson [3.0-1-5-0] is back into the attack

7.6 Broad to Watson, no run, good length delivery outside off, Watson pushes forward and offers the full face, goes to gully off the outer half of the bat

7.5 Broad to Watson, no run, length ball angling in, Watson gets forward and drives it to mid off, straight to the fielder though

7.4 Broad to Watson, no run, fullish delivery around that off stump line, Watson gets behind the line of the ball, taps it to the on side

7.3 Broad to Watson, no run, lots of movement away from Watson as the ball passed the bat, pitched up and moving away, Watson leaves it be

7.1 Broad to Watson, no run, good ball that, lands on a length, shapes away, just outside the off stump line, Watson shoulders arms

7.1 Broad to Watson, no ball, two slips and a gully in place, Broad oversteps, length ball shaping back in from middle and off, Watson defends it to the on-side

Broad will start the proceedings on Day 2

The players are making their way out. The English look pumped up, no huddles. They have taken their field positions, in comes the two batsmen.

9:55 AM local time: Despite the rain, play is expected to start on time. We are just five minutes away. Hoping for yet another action packed day! Will the Poms bounce back? Or will the Aussies, the virtual underdogs before the start of this series, prove their mettle? Here we go...

Michael Vaughan: (on his twitter page) Anything around 320 I would take. If the Aussies get 400, Game Over. Sunshine has arrived, quite humid. Should swing around. Got a good day feeling... barmy army ...

Good morning and a warm welcome folks! The first day of the Ashes Test lived up to all its hype, a fine spell of bowling from Siddle and some aggressive batting display from Pietersen added spice to the most awaited Test series of the year. Here we are on Day 2 and there was a light shower earlier this morning, the sun has come out now and looks like there will be some moisture in the wicket which may help the ball to swing around. This is Ajith and I will take you through the day with Srivathsa. Stay tuned for more updates...

No wonder the Ashes lives up to its hype. This was probably the best first day's cricket in a long, long time. It had everything, a wicket in the first over, gutsy fifties and a hat-trick. Peter Siddle gave us a memorable moment in this year's Ashes as his hat-trick ripped the heart out of England.

Siddle tore through the top order as he snapped up KP and Colly, before taking the hat-trick. Bell and Cook struck gutsy fifties but it was not enough as Super Sid viciously cut them down to size and bowled them out for 260. A nice little moment for Xavier Doherty who managed to pick up two wickets in one over to wrap up the tail. The Aussie openers survived a testing period from Anderson and Broad as they finished up on 25/0. England have all to do tomorrow as they look to bowl out Australia quickly and cheaply. Do Join us tomorrow in what promises to be an action packed second day at the Gabba. Until then, this is Sid V, saying good bye on behalf of Srivathsa. Take care and have a nice day

6.6 Swann to Watson, 1 run, turns it to square leg and takes a single, that will be stumps on day 1 - a day which seen complete and utter domination by the Aussies

6.3 Swann to Katich, 1 run, Katich wristed that uppishly, but well in front of mid on, there were shouts of catcchhhhhhh but no damage done

6.2 Swann to Katich, FOUR!!, fabulous stuff from Kat! tossed up and Katich gets forward to reach the pitch, caressing it beautifully past mid off, the timing and the placement on that shot from Katich was top notch, wonderfully done by Katich, Swann has gone for consecutive boundaries in his maiden bowl in a test match in Australia

6.1 Swann to Katich, FOUR!!, not an ideal start though, too short from Swann and Katich rocks back to whip it away through the on side, wristily done by Katich and it dribbled away

He has got a wicket 21 times in his first over in test cricket, can he make it 22 today?

Graeme Swann, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

This definitely will be the last over of the day

5.6 Broad to Watson, no run, flicked from middle stump to mid on, who slides to his right and cuts off the single

5.5 Broad to Katich, 3 runs, nice on drive from Katich, typical Katichesque punchy shot, gets forward and eases it past the diving Broad, Finn gives chase and slides to save a run for his side

5.4 Broad to Watson, 1 run, there is no short leg and that is where the ball runs away, a thick inside edge onto the pads, as Watson came forward to defend, they steal a single

5.3 Broad to Watson, no run, much more confident leave, pitched up and moving away outside off, Watson shoulders arms

5.2 Broad to Watson, no run, Watson is getting his front leg far too across, he has to be careful here, manages to keep that full ball on middle out

5.1 Broad to Watson, no run, back of a length and rising from that area, it is outside off, left alone

Perhaps the last over of the day coming up

4.6 Anderson to Katich, no run, full and on the stumps again, Katich nudges it to the short mid wicket fielder again

4.5 Anderson to Katich, no run, Anderson bowls a length ball on middle, Katich pushes it to short mid wicket

4.4 Anderson to Katich, no run, that is the line and he makes Katich play at that, Katich pulled his bat inside the line, but he definitely had a look at it, in the channel outside off, Katich had a feel for it and then tucked his bat in

4.3 Anderson to Katich, no run, swings back in, full on middle, Katich softly defends it to the on side

4.2 Anderson to Katich, no run, Katich shuffles across as he always does, defends it off the backfoot to a ball on the off stump

4.1 Anderson to Katich, no run, poor ball from Anderson, way down the leg side, Katich had no chance to play at that, rightly lets it go

3.6 Broad to Watson, 2 runs, this time neatly tucked off the hips down to backward square leg for a couple of runs

3.5 Broad to Watson, no run, on the middle stump line, Watson tries to work it to leg, then decides to defend, blocked back to Broad

3.4 Broad to Watson, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, left alone

3.3 Broad to Watson, no run, magnificent delivery, shapes back in, fuller, on middle, Watson just about got an inner edge onto his pad, huge appeal, Doctrove got it right, the English camp got together and then decided not to take the review, Trott from fine leg came running in and passed on some advice, but the right call was made

Well what do we have here, right they are not taking the review and rightly so

3.1 Broad to Katich, no run, Katich tries to force it off the backfoot, closes the face of the bat a bit too early, ends up jabbing it to the cover region without any timing

2.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, Watson is solid in defence, planting his front foot forward and defending

2.5 Anderson to Katich, leg byes, 1 run, Anderson is targetting the ribs and the hips of Katich, rising and brushes Katich's abdomen before running wide of Prior

2.4 Anderson to Watson, 1 run, good running from Watson, Watson is making a concerted effort not to get his front leg far too across, this one nips back in from a length area, Watson jams it down, gets a thin inside edge onto the pads, it rolls to cover, calls Katich for the quick single and he responds

2.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, on the off stump, Watson gets forward and dead bats it, solidly done by Watson

2.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, shapes back in, on middle and leg stump, Watson shuffles across, taps it to the on side

2.1 Anderson to Watson, no run, back of a length and outside off, Watson thought about cutting that, but then shoulders arms

1.6 Broad to Katich, 2 runs, now Katich is away, shuffles across and clips it from middle stump past Finn at mid wicket, couple of runs

1.5 Broad to Katich, no run, superb bouncer, Katich did well too, keeping his eyes on it and swaying out of the way, it was directed across Katich, searing pace, Katich lets it go and turns back to see Broad staring down at him

1.4 Broad to Katich, no run, this one jags back in from a back of a length, catches Katich by surprise, Katich was not expecting it to come back in, ends up jabbing at it awkwardly, hits his chest

1.3 Broad to Katich, no run, back of a length and on the ribs, Katich goes on the backfoot, defends it to short leg, Katich did well not to fend at that, played with a soft bottom hand

1.2 Broad to Katich, no run, Katich is shuffling across a lot, is hit on the thigh pad, Katich missed out on clipping that one past the short leg fielder

1.1 Broad to Katich, no run, Broad ambles in, bowls a back of a length delivery, that swings down the leg side, Katich shuffles across and exposed his leg stump a touch, but it was well away from that

Stuart Broad, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Anderson to Watson, no run, gentle sign of the ball coming back in, pitches outside off and shapes back in, but still Watson lets it go

0.5 Anderson to Watson, FOUR!!, half volley and put away in style, pitched up and swinging away, Watson gets forward and crunches a lovely cover drive, timed and placed superbly, what a way to start your Ashes campaign for Watson with the bat

0.4 Anderson to Watson, no run, first sound of bat on ball in the Aussie innings, fullish on off stump, Watson gets forward and defends it to cover, straight to the fielder

0.3 Anderson to Watson, no run, probing line and a length from Anderson, in the zone outside off, Watson isn't going to play at those, lets it go

0.2 Anderson to Watson, no run, Anderson keeps it in the corridor of uncertainty, Watson gets forward and shoulders arms

0.1 Anderson to Watson, no run, Anderson runs in, bowls a back of a length delivery outside off, nice bounce for him as well, Watson judges it well and lets it go

Watson and Katich are at the crease. Watson is on strike. Anderson will open the attack

The England side are raring to go, they want to go on the field and let fly. But the pitch is being rolled and it is stopping them from going out to bowl. Although they have been bowled out for 260, they seem to be in good spirits, Strauss and Collingwood are having a laugh, while KP too seems to be cheerful...

A sensational start to the Ashes and no one could have envisaged something of this sort would happen. A hat-trick by Siddle on his 26th birthday ripped the game wide open after it seemed to be meandering for a while. The crowd egged on the Aussies and buoyed by the support they mopped up the tail in quick time. Only Bell showed some fight, but the rest did not hang around for long to support him..

Siddle: I have been cherishing this moment for a long time. It has been a lot of hard work, it has been my day and the boys bowled well. We have given the opportunity to the batters to weave their magic. I got a hat-trick when I was 13 so I waited for a long time for this. It was an amazing feeling to get my hat-trick in front of a large crowd. We were a bit wayward at the start, but we settled into a nice groove as the day progressed. We realized that when Broad was hit on the full, we knew it was plumb. I would have liked to get the hat-trick by hitting the top of off stump, but I will take it.

Peter Siddle was the star of the show as he picked up a hat-trick to lighten up this series. Bell tried to show some fight and he chipped in with some handy runs before Doherty wrapped up the tail. Join us in a short while for the Australian chase.

76.5 Doherty to Anderson, out Bowled!! That is the end of that! Anderson tries to be cute, far one too many a time, goes for the reverse sweep, Doherty fired it in full and straight on leg stump, Anderson missed and it crashed into the stumps, Eng have been bowled out for 260 and Doherty has 2 in an over. Anderson b Doherty 11(22) [4s-2]

Doherty to Anderson, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

76.4 Doherty to Anderson, no run, tries to slog, drags it to short fine, no single that time

76.3 Doherty to Anderson, 2 runs, brings out the orthodox sweep this time, lapped around the corner for a couple

76.2 Doherty to Anderson, FOUR!!, Slats on air: "A top order batter could not have played it any better", brings out the reverse sweep and connects superbly, beating backward point, expertly done by Anderson

Steven Finn, right handed bat, comes to the crease

76.1 Doherty to Bell, out Caught by Watson!! Maiden test wicket for Xavier! What a moment that is for the youngster. Bell was trying to get a few runs for his side and has fallen. Chips down, it is tossed up, Bell is beaten in the flight, still ends up going through with the stroke, slices it to Watto who runs in from sweeper cover to take an easy catch. Dohertys' dad is in attendance and he can't conceal his excitement, waves and cheers loudly, wonderful moments as Doherty sees that on the big screen and has a chuckle. Bell c Watson b Doherty 76(131) [4s-8]

Doherty to Bell, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

75.6 Hilfenhaus to Anderson, no run, loose, very loose from Anderson, full and slanted across Anderson, Anderson had a dart at that, went for the expansive cover drive, lucky that he did not edge it

75.5 Hilfenhaus to Anderson, no run, angled across Anderson, on a length, left alone

75.4 Hilfenhaus to Bell, 1 run, Bell comes down the track, Hilfenhaus spots that early, bangs it in short, Bell fends it away, rolls down to backward square, they take the single

75.3 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, bouncer down the leg side, Bell swivels to pull and does not make contact

75.2 Hilfenhaus to Bell, FOUR!!, fabulous stuff! chips down and takes it on the full, a lovely swing of the bat and the ball flies over mid off's head, Bell is in tremendous form and is taking his chances here

75.1 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, back of a length and a loosener to start off with, Bell defends solidly from the backfoot

Ben Hilfenhaus [18.0-4-55-1] is back into the attack

74.6 Doherty to Anderson, no run, beautiful bowling, the arm ball, Doherty slyly slips in the armer, but it is outside off, Anderson was comprehensively beaten, brought his bat down a tad too late, the ball whizzed past the outside edge, so close to a maiden wicket was Doherty on that occasion

74.5 Doherty to Anderson, no run, skidding onto off stump, Anderson goes back and blocks

74.4 Doherty to Anderson, no run, Anderson leans forward and defends now

74.3 Doherty to Anderson, no run, Anderson fails to tuck it away off the hips, hits Anderson on the thigh guard and rolls down to short leg

74.2 Doherty to Bell, 1 run, Bell tucks a full ball from middle to mid wicket, Doherty runs after it and cuts off the 2nd

74.1 Doherty to Bell, no run, tossed up on middle, Bell gets forward and defends, Doherty is coming from round the wicket to Bell

Xavier Doherty [12.0-3-34-0] is back into the attack

73.6 Siddle to Anderson, no run, it keeps getting better and better for Siddle, angles a full delivery in the channel outside off, Anderson got forward to defend, the ball passed the outside edge, missed it by a whisker, good bounce for Siddle that time

73.5 Siddle to Anderson, no run, back of a length and heading to middle, Anderson gets right behind the line and defends

73.5 Siddle to Anderson, no ball, Siddle now oversteps, solidly defended by Anderson from the crease, wanted the single, but sent back by Bell

73.4 Siddle to Anderson, no run, in the corridor of uncertainty, close to the off stump, Anderson shoulders arms, good leave that

73.3 Siddle to Bell, 1 run, low full toss on the stumps, Bell flicks it to long on, decides to take the single

73.2 Siddle to Bell, no run, almost got his man there, sensational has been Siddle all day, the vicious yorker length delivery, nearly got through Bell's defences, Bell brings his bat down and jams it off the inner half onto his pad, Bell got an inside edge onto the pads

73.1 Siddle to Anderson, 1 run, Well done Anderson! the field was up, full ball on off stump, Anderson pushes it softly and makes the quick single with ease

Terrific stat: Siddle is the 38th player to take a test hat-trick, the 11th Australian and the 5th Aussie to do so against England.

72.6 Johnson to Bell, no run, bouncer on the stumps, Bell ducks and lets it go

72.5 Johnson to Bell, no run, fires it full and a bit wide outside off, Bell stays back, looks to crunch it past cover, mistimes it and the ball rolls to short cover

72.3 Johnson to Bell, 2 runs, fuller length outside off, drives it into the gap at long off and calls for a couple immediately, easily done

72.2 Johnson to Bell, no run, fuller, slower delivery just outside off, steers it to third man but declines the single

72.1 Johnson to Bell, 2 runs, short on the stumps, Bell stays back, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to mid wicket, walks across for a couple

71.6 Siddle to Anderson, FOUR!!, edged but safe, fullish and a little wide outside off, Anderson chases after it, gets a thick outside edge that flies over gully and to third man for a lucky boundary, Anderson is off the mark

71.5 Siddle to Anderson, no run, back of a length just outside off, Anderson watches it, covers the stumps and lets it go

71.4 Siddle to Bell, 1 run, fuller just outside off, gets forward and pushes it to short cover

71.3 Siddle to Bell, no run, shortish delivery just outside off, does not bounce high, Bell plays it late, chops it into the ground, goes on the bounce to Haddin, lucky that he did not drag it back onto the stumps

71.2 Siddle to Bell, no run, short delivery, nips in a little after going past outside off, Bell shoulders arms

71.1 Siddle to Bell, 2 runs, full floated in on the off stump, Bell pushes at it, gets an inside edge that rolls to backward square leg, Bell hares across for the couple

70.6 Johnson to Anderson, no run, fuller, straight delivery on middle, gets behind the line and blocks it, Jimmy survives

70.5 Johnson to Bell, 1 run, short delivery outside off, Bell stays back and flashes hard, top edge nearly carries to third man, but lands on the bounce to the fielder

70.4 Johnson to Bell, FOUR!!, Bell will have to hit more such boundaries, overpitched on the off stump, Bell gets forward and threads it into the gap past mid off, races to the long off boundary

70.3 Johnson to Bell, no run, slower, length delivery slanted across outside off, watches it till the end and lets it go

70.2 Johnson to Bell, no run, this is so unlike Bell, Bell dances down the track, Johnson drags it short on middle and off, has a wild swipe and misses

70.1 Johnson to Bell, no run, back of a length on middle and off, tapped to the off side

69.6 Siddle to Anderson, no run, length delivery, swings into Anderson on leg stump, Anderson gets hit on the pads, stifled appeal for an LBW, but that was sliding down the leg side

69.5 Siddle to Anderson, no run, edged but dropped, fuller in the zone just outside off, Anderson pokes at it, gets a thick outside edge, flies to Haddin who dives to his left, but the ball pops out of his glove and he ends up fluffing the chance, he should have taken it

69.4 Siddle to Anderson, no run, short of length outside off, left alone by Anderson

69.4 Siddle to Anderson, wide, short delivery, goes over Anderson's head, harshly given a wide, Ian Chappell says, "Is Umpire Dar umpiring in a T20 game or what?"

69.3 Siddle to Anderson, no run, fuller, slanted across outside off, watches it carefully and lets it go

James Anderson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Well, there is a slight passing shower. The covers come onto the field, but the rain stops and the umpires shoo them away. The crowd erupt as they want to see more of Siddle in action.

69.2 Siddle to Swann, out Lbw!! Siddle is wrapping it up here! Back of a length on middle and off, Swann stays on the crease, looks to swing it to mid wicket, he misses and it hits him on the pads, Siddle appeals and Umpire Dar gives it out immediately, after a lengthy consultation with Bell, he opted for the review, replays suggest that he did not get an inside edge and the ball would have crashed into the stumps, waste of a review for England, this is now Siddle's best figures in test cricket. Swann lbw b Siddle 10(9) [4s-1]

Siddle to Swann, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Well, Swann has called for a review. The question here is whether there was an inside edge or whether he got outside the line of the off stump

69.1 Siddle to Swann, leg byes, 2 runs, back of a length on leg stump, Swann looks to tuck it to backward square leg, comes off the pad and they take another couple

68.6 Johnson to Bell, no run, woahh, very uncharacteristic from Bell, length delivery outside off, Bell clears the front leg, looks to loft it down the ground, misses

68.5 Johnson to Bell, FOUR!!, simply superb from Bell, fuller slanted across outside off, gets forward and drives it handsomely through sweeper cover for another boundary

68.4 Johnson to Swann, 3 runs, gets even better for Swanny, length delivery outside off, Swann drives and bisects the gap at cover and extra cover, goes to the deep for a comfortable three runs

68.3 Johnson to Swann, FOUR!!, welcome runs these for the Poms, short, wide delivery outside off, Swann flashes at it hard, gets a top edge that flies over the slips and to third man for a streaky boundary

68.2 Johnson to Swann, no run, length delivery on middle, Swann tucks it to short mid wicket, almost falls over as he plays that, but manages to steady himself

68.1 Johnson to Swann, no run, starts from over the wicket, angles a fuller length delivery outside off, Swann goes for the drive and misses

Mitchell Johnson [12.0-2-46-0] is back into the attack

Right, with one Sid creating history at the Gabba, I, Sid V hand over the comms to Srivathsa. Incidentally, Siddle becomes the first person to take a Test hat-trick on his birthday.

Drinks are on the field now

67.6 Siddle to Swann, 3 runs, short of a good length outside off, Swann gets forward, drives it on the up, bisects the gap at cover point for three runs, gets off the mark

67.5 Siddle to Swann, no run, back of a length, cuts sharply into Swann, he gets hit high on the pad and rolls to the off side, no chance for an LBW as that was sliding down the leg side

67.4 Siddle to Bell, 3 runs, Bell is taking his chances here, fullish on middle and off, Bell flicks it wide of the man at mid on, Mitch gives chase, slides and pulls it just inside the ropes, they take another three runs

67.3 Siddle to Bell, no run, fuller just outside off, tapped to point

67.2 Siddle to Bell, FOUR!!, classy shot, length delivery strays onto the pads of Bell, he picks it up nicely, flicks it uppishly to backward square leg, rolls to the boundary to bring up his 24th Test Fifty, well played by Belly

67.1 Siddle to Bell, no run, fuller length on the off stump, blocked back to the bowler

66.6 Hilfenhaus to Bell, 3 runs, on the pads and again Bell gets into a good position, clips it into the gap at deep mid wicket for a comfortable three runs

66.5 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, defends it

65.6 Siddle to Swann, no run, fuller length outside off, driven back to the bowler, what an over, what an impact from Siddle, definitely the over which determines the course of this Ashes series

Graeme Swann, right handed bat, comes to the crease

65.5 Siddle to Broad, out Lbw!! There it is, hat-trick for Sid Vicious! Low full toss, yorker length on the stumps, swings in a bit and hits Broad full on the boot, Siddle and Aus go up in appeal and the Umpire gives it, there was some doubt whether the ball would have slid down the leg side, Broad calls for the review and replays show that it would have hit leg stump, what a birthday present for Sid, the Gabba erupts in joy. Broad lbw b Siddle 0(1)

Siddle to Broad, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Well, Broad has called for a review. It is for an LBW

Four slips and a gully in place.

Right, can Siddle do it? Can he get a hat-trick?

Stuart Broad, left handed bat, comes to the crease

65.4 Siddle to Prior, out Bowled!! Siddle, you beauty! What a peach! Full, pacy and straight delivery on the stumps, Prior is a little late in getting the bat down, the ball just brushes the back pad and knocks back the off stump, Siddle is on a hat-trick, Prior was beaten for pace there. Prior b Siddle 0(1)

Siddle to Prior, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Matt Prior, right handed bat, comes to the crease

65.3 Siddle to Cook, out Caught by Watson!! Siddle has been the man in form for Australia today! Length delivery, slanted across in the corridor of uncertainty, Cook feels for it, takes a thick outside edge, flies to Watto who gobbles it up at first slip, Cook departs after scoring a good fifty. Cook c Watson b Siddle 67(168) [4s-6]

Siddle to Cook, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

65.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, fuller length wide outside off, Cook goes for the drive, mistimes it to mid off

65.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, back of a length slanted across outside off, Cook shoulders arms

64.6 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, goodish length outside off, Bell mistimes the drive, rolls to the off side

64.5 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, Hilfenhaus is settling into a nice rhythm here, fuller, shapes away at the last moment, Bell feels for it and gets beaten, late movement undid Bell on that occasion

64.4 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, short delivery outside off, Bell cuts it to backward point, but straight to the fielder

63.6 Siddle to Bell, FOUR!!, very poor ball to end the over, short and wide delivery, Bell has ample time to play that, stays on the back foot and thumps it into the gap at cover point, rolls slowly to sweeper cover but the ball makes it in the end

63.5 Siddle to Bell, no run, fuller, goes straight after going past off stump, watched carefully by Bell and left alone

63.5 Siddle to Bell, wide, woaaahhh, that is a real bad ball from Sid, short and goes wayyy outside off, rightly given a wide

63.4 Siddle to Bell, no run, full pitched, almost tails in outside off, Bell goes for the drive, but he plays it too close to the body, bottom edge rolls to the leg side

63.3 Siddle to Bell, no run, fuller but shapes away wider outside off, Bell does not bother and lets it go

63.1 Siddle to Bell, no run, finds the right length straight away, full pitched outside off, squeezed out to short cover

Peter Siddle [10.0-2-28-2] is back into the attack

62.6 Hilfenhaus to Bell, 1 run, fuller on middle, nudged down to mid on for a quick single

62.5 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, that is an absolute ripper from Hilfenhaus, good length just outside off, skids straight on, Bell was playing for the swing, plays it late with no feet movement, gets beaten comprehensively, more of these please, Hilfy

62.4 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, this time it swings and straightens just outside off, Bell gets behind the line and defends it

62.3 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, full, curves away slightly as it goes past off stump, Bell watches it and lets it go

62.2 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, in the slot for the drive, full pitched, slightly wide outside off, he drives but can't get it past the fielder at point

62.1 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, much better from Hilfy, back of a length on the off stump, Bell gets behind the line and blocks it solidly

61.6 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length just outside off, Cook hops back, blocks it back to the bowler

61.5 Watson to Cook, no run, full, shapes in after going past off stump, left alone

61.4 Watson to Cook, 2 runs, full on the middle and leg stump, Cook works it into the gap at wide long on, Sid gives chase and keeps it down to a couple

61.3 Watson to Cook, no run, fuller but on the off stump this time, driven back to the bowler

60.1 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, full, but again swings wide outside off, left alone

59.6 Watson to Cook, no run, fullish on the stumps, tucked to short mid wicket, North fumbles slightly as he stops it, they do not take a single

59.5 Watson to Cook, FOUR!!, edged but safe, fuller just outside off, Cook stabs at it hard, the ball takes the outside edge, flies in between the gap at slip and gully and to third man for a streaky boundary, that is the line Watson should be bowling and it has lured Cook into a false shot

59.4 Watson to Cook, no run, full angled across outside off, driven to mid off

59.3 Watson to Bell, 3 runs, overpitched on the middle and leg stump, Bell clips it neatly off his pads, rolls to the deep mid wicket fence, Mitch runs in from deep square leg, stops it just in front of the ropes as they take a comfortable three runs

59.2 Watson to Bell, no run, fuller length just outside off, Bell gets behind the line and taps it to short cover

59.2 Watson to Bell, no ball, back of a length, cuts away outside off, left alone but Watson has overstepped

Two slips and a gully in place for Watto, there is a man out for the drive as well

58.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler

58.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, fuller just outside off, Cook drags his bat inside the line, lets it go

58.4 Hilfenhaus to Bell, 3 runs, the short ball will not work on this slow Gabba track, short outside off, Bell stays back, rolls his wrists over the ball and pulls it past the fielder at wide mid on, rolls to deep mid wicket, Pup chases as the ball stops just before the ropes

58.3 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, fuller length in the corridor of uncertainty, Bell judges it well and leaves it as the ball shapes away to Haddin

58.2 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, shapes away a bit closer to the off stump channel, left alone by Bell

58.2 Hilfenhaus to Bell, wide, fuller, but again it swings too wide outside off, another wide

58.1 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, probing line in the zone outside off, cuts away after pitching and Bell lets it go

57.6 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length on leg stump, skids on after pitching, Cook goes to tuck it to the leg side and misses, the ball hits the top flap of the pad and rolls to the ground

57.5 Watson to Cook, no run, length delivery just outside off, Cook plays for the swing, but this goes straight, he steers it along the ground to gully where Hussey fields

57.4 Watson to Cook, no run, full in the corridor just outside off, gets behind the line and pushes it to mid off

57.3 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length on middle, tucked to short mid wicket

57.3 Watson to Cook, wide, another one, this time it is Watto, full sprays it very wide outside off, Cook watches it and lets it go, the Umpire gives it a wide, Richie Benaud says, "How can that not be given a wide?"

57.2 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length outside off, nips in a fraction, Cook shoulders arms

57.1 Watson to Cook, no run, fuller length angled across, shapes in and straightens on the off stump, driven to mid off

56.6 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, fullish, but still wide outside off, too far for Bell to play any shot, this time the Umpire is a bit more lenient and does not give it a wide

56.6 Hilfenhaus to Bell, wide, sprays it even wider, Hilfy cannot control his swing, goes almost to first slip, shades of Harmison 2006 there, wide given

56.4 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, fuller length, tempts Bell for the drive, shapes away slightly outside off, this time he lets it go

56.3 Hilfenhaus to Bell, 2 runs, good ball from Hilfy, fuller length delivery, curves away outside off, Bell reaches out for it, drives it to sweeper cover for a couple, risky shot attempted by Bell, that could have taken the outside edge

56.2 Hilfenhaus to Bell, no run, fullish on middle, turned to short mid wicket, shouts NOOO for a single

Welcome back to the final session. The message from Mark Taylor is clear, Australia need to pick up three to four wickets at the close to end the day on a high.

England are 86/2 in both sessions: via priya91

A session that has belonged to Australia. Siddle was the star as he snapped up Pietersen and Collingwood in quick succession. However, Cook remained calm as he reached his 23rd fifty. Australia took another referral for a possible edge when Bell missed a full ball just outside off from Johnson. Umpire Dar ruled not out and the decision stayed after the referral meaning that Australia have lost both their referrals. England will be looking to build a partnership to negate Australia's advantage while Australia will bank on their fast bowlers to produce some magic. Join us at 10:30 AM IST for the final session.

55.6 Watson to Bell, 1 run, Bell gets forward, pats a full delivery to cover, sets off for the easy single and that will be tea on day 1 here at the Gabba

55.5 Watson to Cook, 1 run, leg stumpish, clipped away to fine leg

55.4 Watson to Cook, no run, floats one outside off, in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

55.3 Watson to Cook, no run, angled across Cook, Cook has all the time in the world to defend and he does so with ease

53.4 Watson to Bell, no run, brushes the pads of Bell, rolls to the left of Haddin who whips off his gloves and nearly throws it at the ball, that would have cost his side 5 penalty runs if the glove had touched the ball

53.3 Watson to Bell, no run, probing line from Watson, he is willing to keep it full and outside off, Bell is consistent in leaving those

53.2 Watson to Bell, no run, again swing for Watson, it is full and outside off, Bell lifts his bat and lets it go

53.1 Watson to Bell, no run, pitched up and swung away, Bell gets forward and lets it go

52.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flat delivery, quicker outside off, Cook pats it to the off side

52.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, pushed through and angled across, Cook gets forward and defends

52.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, blocked to short leg from the crease

52.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, well forward is Cook and defends it back to Doherty

52.2 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, real loose ball from Doherty, short and deserved to be put away, Cook rocked back and hammered a pull away to deep mid wicket, no one there and Cook will get another boundary, good footwork from Cook that time made that shot possible

52.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, angled across Cook who leans forward to defend

Now Doherty is coming round the wicket to Cook

51.6 Watson to Bell, no run, Watson needs to get his line right here, there is definite swing for him, but he is starting from outside off and it is moving further away, left alone

51.5 Watson to Bell, no run, back to the normal programming, full and moving away outside off, Bell gets forward, lets it go

51.4 Watson to Bell, leg byes, FOUR!!, bad ball, slightly on the middle and leg stump line, Bell got inside the line to tuck it away, missed, it hit the thigh pad and beat Haddin, fine leg was too square and 4 leg byes are added to the total

51.3 Watson to Bell, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, Bell resists the temptation to go for the cover drive, lifts his bat and lets it go

51.2 Watson to Bell, no run, back of a length on off stump, Bell gets right behind the line to defend

51.1 Watson to Bell, no run, swing for Watson, but well outside off and moving further away, Bell lets it go

Shane Watson [6.0-1-15-1] is back into the attack

50.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, nudged wide of short leg, the leg slip fielder moves to his right and cuts off the single

50.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, straightens from a length on off stump, Cook is on the backfoot, blocks

50.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook is well forward, leaning into the defensive stroke and defends

50.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, back of a length and on off stump, Cook pushes it back to Doherty

50.2 Doherty to Bell, 1 run, Bell turns it with the spin past short leg

50.1 Doherty to Bell, no run, drifting in towards middle, Bell defends with a full face

49.6 Johnson to Bell, 1 run, drop and run from Bell, defends it with soft hands towards cover who is a little deep, an easy single is taken

49.5 Johnson to Bell, no run, wayward, poor from Mitch, down the leg side, no chance for Bell to lay a bat on that

49.4 Johnson to Bell, no run, full outside off and asking Bell to go and have a dart at it, Bell lets it go

49.3 Johnson to Bell, no run, good bowling this, targetting the stumps, Bell defends well though

49.2 Johnson to Bell, 2 runs, There is no one at mid on, Bell rocks back to tuck it into the vacant spaces on the on side, Johnson runs after it and retrieves it

49.1 Johnson to Bell, no run, Johnson is targetting the off stump area, in the channel outside off, Bell isn't interested, left alone

48.6 Doherty to Bell, 1 run, short outside off, pushed square of the wicket for a single

48.5 Doherty to Bell, no run, terrific delivery that, gripped and turned away past the outside edge, Bell was playing for the one that straightens, it just moved away, to miss the edge, very close though

48.3 Doherty to Bell, no run, tossed up on middle, Bell gets forward and defends

48.2 Doherty to Bell, no run, bunted to short mid wicket from the crease

48.1 Doherty to Cook, 3 runs, shot! short and spinning in, Cook rocks back and cuts it square of the wicket, Cook got well back and used the length to force it away

47.6 Johnson to Bell, no run, back of a length on off stump, Bell defends it back to Johnson

47.5 Johnson to Bell, no run, slower one outside off, the sucker delivery, Bell is not tempted, left alone

47.4 Johnson to Bell, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

47.3 Johnson to Bell, no run, tucked to short leg, Katich fields

47.2 Johnson to Bell, no run, Australia have no reviews left! Katich was the one who was more vehement in his appeal, it beat Bell on the outside edge, replays show that the ball missed the bat by an inch, Ponting took the review after Katich prompted him to, Dar gets it right

Seems that there is no edge on that one, Dar ruled it not-out and Australia may well lose their review

Well Ponting has decided to use his last review here against Bell for a caught behind appeal

47.1 Johnson to Bell, no run, back of a length on off stump, Bell defends solidly from the backfoot

46.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flicked to short mid wicket, straight to the fielder

46.5 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, 23rd testFIFTY!! for Cook and it has been a fighting innings, backs away and forces this spinning delivery through cover for a couple, he needs to kick on from an England point of view

46.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, once again, Katich at short leg dives to his left and keeps Cook on strike

46.3 Doherty to Bell, 1 run, Bell pre-meditates a sweep, Katich at short leg anticipates it, moves to his right, but cant cut it off

It has suddenly gotten overcast here

46.2 Doherty to Bell, no run, Bell is looking to use his feet, Doherty is aware of that, flatish on off stump, Bell defends

46.1 Doherty to Bell, 2 runs, full down the leg side, Bell sweeps it to fine leg, North runs in and dives to his right to keep it to a couple

45.6 Johnson to Bell, 1 run, short delivery on the ribs, Bell helps a pull shot to fine leg

45.5 Johnson to Bell, no run, good delivery, keeps it full on off stump, Bell is compact in defence though

45.4 Johnson to Bell, no run, angled across Bell, on a length outside off, left alone

45.3 Johnson to Cook, 3 runs, full ball on middle, Cook gets his front leg forward and around to clip it beautifully to deep mid wicket, Cook plays those clips nicely, an easy 3 runs

45.2 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length and on off stump, Cook gets forward and defends solidly with the full face of the bat

45.1 Johnson to Cook, no run, short and wide outside off, left alone

Mitchell Johnson [9.0-1-39-0] is back into the attack

44.6 Doherty to Bell, 2 runs, Bell is looking to take on Doherty here, skips down, is beaten in the flight, yet goes through with the lofted drive, just clears Mitch at mid off, risky, but that's how Bell plays the spinners

44.5 Doherty to Bell, no run, and again, chips down, strokes it back to Doherty

44.4 Doherty to Bell, no run, Bell immediately dances down, Doherty saw him coming and pulled his length back, Bell adjusted and defended it well

44.3 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, turns it to square leg, wide of the short leg man this time

43.6 Siddle to Bell, no run, back of a length and in the corridor of uncertainty, left alone

43.5 Siddle to Bell, 2 runs, Siddle goes for the bouncer, it does not rise at all, Bell rolls his wrists over and pulls wide of square leg

43.4 Siddle to Bell, no run, back of a length and tailing back in, punched back to Siddle

43.3 Siddle to Bell, FOUR!!, catchhhhhhhhhh was the cry from the Aussie fielders, but well over Doherty at point, short and wide outside off, Bell crunched it hard, deliberately hit up and over, superbly done by the supremely talented Bell, he is in fine fettle following his 192 in the recent warm-up game

43.2 Siddle to Bell, no run, back of a length and straightens around off stump, Bell defends from the crease

43.1 Siddle to Bell, 2 runs, low full toss on the middle and leg, Bell clips it wide of mid wicket for an easy couple

42.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, gets forward and across to turn it softly to Katich

42.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, tucked to short leg, sharp fielding from Katich

42.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, loose shot! short and wide outside off, the quicker one too, Cook rocks back to cut, is beaten

42.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, Cook leans forward and defends

42.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, flat and angling in, punched to mid on from the crease

41.6 Siddle to Bell, no run, fuller on leg stump, Bell looks to work it to the leg side, gets hit on the pads and rolls to the ground

41.5 Siddle to Bell, FOUR!!, Bell is off the mark in style, short, wide delivery outside off, sits up nicely for Bell, he stays on the back foot and crunches it past the gap at cover and cover point, rolls along to the boundary

41.4 Siddle to Bell, no run, back of a length wider outside off, Bell lets it go

41.3 Siddle to Bell, no run, good length just outside the off stump channel, Bell judges it well and leaves it

41.1 Siddle to Bell, no run, short delivery just outside off, bounces over the stumps, Bell lifts his bat and lets it go

40.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker outside off, gets forward and pushes it to mid on, the fielder was slightly deep there, but they do not take the single

40.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up outside off, plunges forward and pushes it to point

40.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker on the off stump, blocks it to the ground

40.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter outside off, left alone

40.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, full, flatter, pushed back to the bowler

40.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter outside off, defended to the off side

39.6 Siddle to Bell, no run, what a ball first-up from Siddle, loud appeal for an LBW, fuller length angled into middle and off, Bell plants his front foot across, plays across the line and gets rapped on the pads, Siddle pleads and pleads for an LBW, but the Umpire does not give it, replays show that there was an inside edge, they do not take the review

Ian Bell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field now

39.5 Siddle to Collingwood, out Caught by North!! Siddle is on a roll here! Fullish delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Collingwood pokes at it, no foot movement whatsoever, the thick edge flies low to North at third slip who goes low to his right and plucks it, Australia are right back in the game here. Collingwood c North b Siddle 4(8) [4s-1]

Siddle to Collingwood, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

39.4 Siddle to Collingwood, FOUR!!, what a way to get off the mark, attempted yorker from Siddle, ends up overpitching it on the off stump, Collingwood drives it past the mid on fielder, blazes to the long on boundary

39.3 Siddle to Collingwood, no run, back of a length outside off, again left alone by Colly

39.2 Siddle to Collingwood, no run, short and wide in the zone outside off, Colly leaves it alone

39.1 Siddle to Collingwood, no run, back of a length on the middle and leg stump, nudges it to square leg, that ball kicked up a bit

38.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter on middle, goes back and tucks it to square leg

38.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, sharp work from Haddin, tossed up, given a bit more air, draws Cook forward, he gets beaten and Haddin whips the bails off, but Cook's back foot was firmly behind the crease

38.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter on the stumps, defends it to the on side

38.3 Doherty to Cook, FOUR!!, flatter delivery, but spins into leg stump, Cook stays back, plays it late with soft hands, works it to fine leg for another boundary

38.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, flat delivery, spins sharply into Cook, he gets the bat down at the last moment, chops it down to backward point

38.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter on the stumps, tucked to short leg

37.5 Siddle to Collingwood, no run, fuller length, shapes away a wee bit, Collingwood is a little too early into the shot, gets a slight leading edge that rolls to short cover

37.4 Siddle to Collingwood, no run, length delivery in the zone outside off, left alone by Collingwood

Paul Collingwood, right handed bat, comes to the crease

37.3 Siddle to Pietersen, out Caught by Ponting!! The Gabba erupts as KP departs! Fuller length delivery, moves a bit away from the seam outside off, Pietersen gets forward and goes for the drive, gets a thick outside edge that flies to Punter at second slip, he takes it with both hands and tumbles as Siddle and the entire Aus team join in the celebration. Pietersen c Ponting b Siddle 43(70) [4s-6]

Siddle to Pietersen, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

37.2 Siddle to Pietersen, no run, short delivery wide outside off, Pietersen drags his bat out of the line, leaves it alone

37.1 Siddle to Pietersen, no run, starts from over the wicket, full outside off, driven to mid off

Peter Siddle [6.0-1-12-0] is back into the attack

36.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, quick delivery on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler

36.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker, short in length, spins into Cook slightly, he makes room and cuts it to backward point, but cannot get it past the fielder

36.3 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter, spins into Cook, goes back and turns it to short leg

36.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up on the stumps, plunges forward and blocks it

36.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker, little short in length, Cook is hurried into the pull, pulls it to short mid wicket, but straight to the fielder

Xavier Doherty [3.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

35.6 Johnson to Pietersen, FOUR!!, glorious from KP, overpitched slightly outside off, in the slot as he comes on the frontfoot and drives it past the fielder at extra cover, goes to the deep extra cover boundary

35.5 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, this time he slants it wider outside off, Pietersen is not tempted for the drive and lets it go easily

34.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length outside off, tucked to short mid wicket

34.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full just outside off, prods forward, gets behind the line and blocks solidly

34.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, slanted across in the channel outside off, left alone

33.6 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, short of length outside off, Pietersen watches it and allows it through to the keeper

33.5 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, in the air but safe, fuller length, slightly wide outside off, Pietersen plays away from the body, one hand comes off the bat handle, takes the outside edge, but falls well short of Doherty at backward point, first false shot from KP today

33.4 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length but wide outside off, KP shoulders arms

33.2 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length on the off stump, defends it back to the bowler

33.1 Johnson to Pietersen, FOUR!!, Pietersen is going for an all out attack here, attempted bouncer outside off, Pietersen stays on the crease, swings across the line, pulls it high over mid wicket, got a bit of a top edge, but it lands safely at mid wicket and just dribbles into the ropes

32.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, fuller just outside off, does not tempt Cook into playing any kind of shot, he leaves it easily

32.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, judges it well and shoulders arms

32.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full in the off stump channel, gets forward and drives it softly to mid off

32.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, fullish on the off stump, prods forward and blocks it to the off side

32.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, good length slanted just outside off, Cook gets forward and leaves it

32.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, back of a length on the off stump, Cook stays back, blocks it to mid off

31.6 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length on the stumps, Pietersen looks to work it to the leg side, misses it and gets hit on the thigh guard, rolls to silly mid on

28.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, length delivery on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler

28.3 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, 3 runs, the Poms have started very well after lunch, length delivery but again on the pads of Pietersen, he gets forward and tucks it to deep mid wicket, Doherty gives chase, slides and throws but they take a comfortable three runs

28.1 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, no run, short of a good length on the off stump, defended solidly back to the bowler, that ball hit the middle of the bat

27.6 Johnson to Cook, FOUR!!, oh dear, Johnson's problems have begun and England will be loving this, fuller and again straying onto the pads of Cook, he clips it into the gap at backward square leg, the timing is just perfect as it scoots to the boundary in a flash

27.5 Johnson to Pietersen, 1 run, short delivery on the middle and leg stump, KP just uses the pace and flicks it to fine leg, very inconsistent start from Mitch

27.4 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length on the off stump corridor, defended back to the bowler

27.3 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, here it is, Johnson's trademark horror ball, fuller and wide outside leg stump, Cook tickles it to fine leg, but only for a single

27.2 Johnson to Pietersen, 1 run, short delivery on leg stump, Pietersen swivels, rolls his wrists over the ball, pulls it along the ground to fine leg, Hilfy runs across and keeps it down to a single

27.1 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, starts from over the wicket, angles a back of a length outside off, KP stays back, punches it to mid off

26.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, goodish length on the off stump, Cook presents the full face of the bat, pushes it back to the bowler

26.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, FOUR!!, what a start to the post lunch session, real loose ball from Hilfy, short delivery outside off, Cook stays on the crease, pulls it wide of the mid on fielder, rolls into the gap at mid wicket

Welcome back to what promises to be a gruelling post lunch session. Australia will be looking to pick up some quick wickets while KP and Cook will be looking to consolidate.

The first session of the Ashes series has lived up to it's billing. A wicket of the third ball of the innings as Strauss played a loose shot, cutting straight to gully. Trott and Cook looked untroubled after that, the wicket did nothing and Trott helped himself to a couple of nice pull shots. Watson came on and swung one in, beating Trott on the drive and sneaking through the gate. Pietersen was booed by the Gabba crowd, that did not deter him and he has looked quite solid so far. Cook was dropped by Doherty, that would have given the Aussies the session. Right now, it has been an even session and the English batters would like to kick on. Remember this is a flat wicket and it is not doing anything extraordinary. We will be back at 8:10 IST for the next session...

25.6 Johnson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length outside off, Pietersen stays on the backfoot, punches it to short cover, and that is Lunch

25.5 Johnson to Pietersen, FOUR!!, woaahh, strange stuff all around, length delivery on middle, Pietersen whips it to deep mid wicket, ends up slipping in the process, lucky that he does not trod back onto the stumps, but the timing is so good that it rolls to deep mid wicket, the fielders give chase but canot stop it, the moisture in the pitch is what undid KP on that occasion

25.3 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, in the air but does not carry, full on leg stump, Cook flicks it uppishly to short mid wicket, but it bounces just in front of North, fumbles slightly and that allows them a single

25.2 Johnson to Pietersen, 1 run, back of a length on the off stump, Pietersen shuffles across slightly, covers the stumps and works it to mid wicket

25.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, shortish delivery outside off, Cook drops it to short cover and sets off for a quick single

Mitchell Johnson [3.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

24.6 Doherty to Pietersen, no run, and again, but this time Pietersen drives a flatter delivery to the right of the bowler, he throws and Haddin throws himself to his left and stops it, great stuff all around

24.5 Doherty to Pietersen, no run, full, flatter outside off, Pietersen comes down the track and drives it back to the bowler, who threatens to throw it back to KP, the crowd erupt

24.4 Doherty to Pietersen, FOUR!!, Pietersen charges down the track, Doherty fires in a quick delivery on leg stump, KP adjusts, uses the pace and helps it to fine leg, good bowling

24.1 Doherty to Pietersen, no run, switches to round the wicket, flatter on leg stump, KP comes down the track, flicks it to short mid wicket

23.6 Watson to Cook, no run, fullish on leg stump, clipped to short mid wicket

23.5 Watson to Pietersen, 1 run, back of a length outside off, stays on the back foot and pushes it to short cover for a quick single

23.4 Watson to Pietersen, no run, short of length outside off, left alone by KP

23.3 Watson to Pietersen, no run, good length just outside off, Pietersen gets a long stride forward, blocks it solidly

23.2 Watson to Cook, 1 run, length delivery on the stumps, worked to mid wicket

23.1 Watson to Cook, no run, catch dropped!! by Doherty to the left of backward point, short, wide delivery outside off, Cook cuts it uppishly, goes straight to Doherty, he jumps a bit too early, the ball pops out of his hand, he tries to juggle it but cannot latch onto it, how costly will that miss prove for the Aussies?

22.6 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, flatter spins into Cook, he goes back and works it to square leg

22.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up, spins into Cook, he goes back and pushes it to the off side

22.4 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter on the stumps, pushed to short leg

22.3 Doherty to Cook, 2 runs, quicker on middle, Cook gets forward and whips it to deep mid wicket for a couple

22.2 Doherty to Cook, no run, tossed up outside off, gets forward and pushes it to short cover

22.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker pushed through outside off, blocked to the off side of the back foot

21.6 Watson to Pietersen, no run, goodish length outside off, Pietersen angles the bat, runs it down to gully along the ground

21.5 Watson to Pietersen, no run, length on the off stump, keeps a bit low, Pietersen defends, the ball takes the bottom edge, rolls to the leg side

21.3 Watson to Pietersen, no run, fuller floated outside off, Pietersen gets forward, drives it to short cover, but North falls to his right and stops it, sharp fielding from North

21.2 Watson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length, cuts into KP, he gets hit high on the thigh guard, rolls to the ground

21.1 Watson to Pietersen, no run, length delivery just outside off, blocked it to the on side

20.6 Doherty to Cook, no run, flatter on middle and off, Cook plays for the turn, but the ball skids straight on, gets a slight outside edge, rolls to the off side, good start from Doherty

20.5 Doherty to Cook, no run, quicker on the stumps, pushed to silly mid on

20.4 Doherty to Pietersen, 3 runs, Pietersen is looking positive out there, flatter on leg stump, Pietersen comes down the track, gets to the pitch and flicks it to deep mid wicket, easy three runs taken

20.3 Doherty to Pietersen, no run, full, quick delivery on the off stump, Pietersen plunges forward, taps it to backward point

20.2 Doherty to Cook, 1 run, flatter on the middle and leg stump, Cook tucks it to square leg

20.1 Doherty to Cook, no run, starts from over the wicket, bowls a full, flatter delivery outside off, it hits the footmarks, kicks up and spins into Cook, he lets it go, risky leave but he survives

Interesting Stat: Pietersen has been dismissed 17 times in his test career by left arm spinners

Big moment for the young man as he makes his Ashes debut. The battle is on now, KP vs left arm spin. Who will come out on top?

Xavier Doherty, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

19.6 Watson to Pietersen, no run, KP missed out there, again overpitched outside off, Pietersen goes for the big booming drive, but cannot get it past the fielder at cover point

19.4 Watson to Pietersen, no run, short of length outside off, Pietersen lifts his bat, allows it through to Haddin

19.3 Watson to Pietersen, no run, full outside off, this time Pietersen gets forward and shoulders arms

19.2 Watson to Pietersen, FOUR!!, vintage KP, overpitched on the off stump, Pietersen gets forward, drives it hard past the bowler, blazes past mid off for a glorious boundary

19.1 Watson to Cook, 1 run, fuller on leg stump, worked to mid wicket

18.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 3 runs, short of length delivery outside off, bounces a bit more, Cook steers it into the gap at slip and gully, Hussey dives to his right but cannot stop it, the ball rolls to third man but just stops inside the ropes, Doherty collects and fires in the throw

18.5 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 2 runs, length delivery on middle, Cook flicks it into the gap at mid wicket for a couple

18.4 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, keeps it just in the zone outside off, Cook judges it well and leaves it

18.3 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full in the corridor just outside off, Cook feels for it, defends it not so convincingly to the off side

17.5 Watson to Cook, 1 run, length delivery on middle and off, gets forward and pushes it to cover for a quick single

17.4 Watson to Cook, no run, fuller, comes back into off stump, pushed back to the bowler

17.3 Watson to Cook, no run, beauty from Watto, length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, cuts away and bounces a bit more, Cook looks to defend and gets beaten all ends up

17.3 Watson to Cook, wide, very harsh on Watson, short delivery, goes high over Cook's head, he ducks slightly, wide given

17.2 Watson to Pietersen, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length on the middle and leg stump, Pietersen looks to tuck it to square leg, the ball hits him high on the thigh pad, rolls to the leg side where Haddin runs after it

16.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, full, slanted across outside off, pushed to cover point

16.5 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, 1 run, length delivery, moves away outside off, Pietersen pushes it to short cover and steal a quick single

16.4 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, no run, fuller just outside off, bowled with a scrambled seam, the ball stops on KP, he gets into the shot a bit too early, taps it back to the bowler

16.3 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, no run, short of length, but wide outside off, Pietersen shoulders arms

16.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, full on the pads of Cook, he tucks it to fine leg

16.1 Hilfenhaus to Pietersen, 1 run, fuller length, nips away outside off, Pietersen gets forward, drives it to cover where Mitch slides to his left and keeps it down to a single

Ben Hilfenhaus [5.0-1-20-1] is back into the attack

15.6 Watson to Cook, no run, full in the zone just outside off, Cook watches it carefully and shoulders arms, another good over from Watto

15.5 Watson to Cook, no run, fuller length just outside off, pushed to mid on, that is the area the Aussies must target

15.4 Watson to Cook, no run, fuller angled across outside off, watched carefully by Cook and left alone

15.3 Watson to Cook, no run, back of a length, nips into Cook, he tucks it to short mid wicket

15.2 Watson to Pietersen, 1 run, fuller on middle, Pietersen works it to mid on

15.1 Watson to Pietersen, no run, back of a length on the stumps, Pietersen defends, but the ball nips in slightly, takes the outside edge that rolls along the ground to gully

The Aussie crowd booed KP as he walked out to bat. Ian Chappell reckons that it might not be such a good idea to do that. He feels that it may pump up KP and that he might be more determined to score runs.

14.6 Johnson to Cook, no run, short delivery on middle and off, Cook stands tall, defends it back to the bowler

14.5 Johnson to Cook, FOUR!!, crunchy pull from Cook, short delivery outside off, Cook goes on the backfoot, fetches it from outside off, pulls it to the vacant deep mid wicket region, this is a slow pitch and the short ball may not work here for Mitch

14.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, short of length on the middle and leg stump, tucked to short mid wicket

14.3 Johnson to Pietersen, 3 runs, back of a length on middle, Pietersen clips it past the fielder at mid wicket, who dives to his right but cannot stop it, the ball rolls to the deep and they take three easy runs to get off the mark

14.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Cook pushes it to cover

Kevin Pietersen, right handed bat, comes to the crease

13.6 Watson to Trott, out Bowled!! Watto has done it and it is the big wicket of Trott! Fuller length delivery, nips into Trott slightly, Trott looks to drive down the ground, but the ball sneaks under the bat and clips the off stump, out of nowhere, Australia have got a wicket after the break. Trott b Watson 29(53) [4s-5]

Watson to Trott, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

13.5 Watson to Trott, no run, length ball on middle and off, Trott gets behind the line solidly, blocks it to silly mid on, Trott had so much time to play that

13.4 Watson to Trott, no run, back of a length, but again wide outside off, left alone easily by Trott

13.3 Watson to Trott, no run, fuller on the off stump, pushed back to the bowler

13.2 Watson to Trott, wide, length ball, but sprays it very wide outside off, first wide of this Ashes series

13.1 Watson to Trott, FOUR!!, very poor start from Watto, length delivery floats into middle and leg, Trott flicks it along the ground to deep mid wicket for another boundary, he is the god of the on side is Trott

Shane Watson, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

This is a different Gabba pitch indeed. Tony Greig on air says that looking at the way how both the English batsmen are playing, Australia may not be taking another wicket today. This is a slow and flat track

End of a pretty dull first hour of play save for the Strauss wicket. It will be drinks and Sid V will take you through till lunch.

12.6 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length and attacking the stumps, Cook initially wanted to pull, then aborted that idead and defends it towards mid wicket

12.5 Johnson to Cook, no run, sprays it well down the leg side, Cook cant collect with the leg glance

12.4 Johnson to Cook, no run, full on middle, Cook gets forward and on drives firmly to mid on, but straight to the fielder

12.3 Johnson to Cook, no run, on the off stump, Cook hangs back and defends stoutly

12.2 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, short ball on middle, Trott gets inside the line and pulls it to fine leg

12.1 Johnson to Trott, no run, length ball and angled across Trott who defends well off the front-foot

11.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, slanted in fuller on his legs, flicked to square leg, straight to the fielder

11.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, Siddle now comes round the wicket, back of a length on off stump, Cook gets right behind the line, on his toes to defend

11.4 Siddle to Trott, 1 run, turns it to short mid wicket, Clarke fumbles, if he had picked it up cleanly, he might have had a chance at either end

11.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, short and wide outside off, well wide in fact, left alone

11.2 Siddle to Trott, no run, length ball on middle, Trott gets forward and softly taps it back to Siddle

11.1 Siddle to Trott, FOUR!!, fine shot! short ball down the leg side, Trott plays the horizontal bat shots well, helps a pull along wide of fine leg, Trott rolled his wrists over that and kept it down too

10.6 Johnson to Cook, no run, back of a length outside off, punched to cover, there is no single available this time though

10.5 Johnson to Cook, no run, good ball, full and on the stumps, Cook gets forward and defends it back to Johnson

10.4 Johnson to Trott, 1 run, no swing for Johnson early on, straightens on middle, dropped down with soft hands and they take an easy single

10.3 Johnson to Trott, no run, pitched up outside off and Trott square drives from the crease, cant beat the off side field

10.2 Johnson to Trott, no run, full outside off, driven nicely to mid off, Johnson is having some problems with his footing

10.1 Johnson to Cook, 1 run, starts with a back of a length ball on leg stump, Cook clips it to deep square leg

First change of this series as Mitch is brought into the attack

Mitchell Johnson, comes into the attack

9.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, much more solid from Trott, hanging back and defending a back of a length ball on off solidly

9.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, way outside off, full, easily left alone

9.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, back of a length outside off, chopped hard down on the ground to gully, the pitch is very slow, it's as if both the teams are playing in India

9.3 Siddle to Trott, no run, good length ball outside off, square driven by Trott to cover point

9.2 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, back of a length on middle, nudged to fine leg

9.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, angled across on a fuller length outside off, left alone

8.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up outside off, driven to mid off

8.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, 2 runs, leg stump length ball, Trott shuffles across and clips it wide of square leg for another brace

8.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, another leading edge as Trott looks to work it to the on side, a full ball on off and middle, it went off the leading edge along the ground to Hussey at gully, Trott mentions to Cook that it stopped a tad on him, a big puff of dust as the ball hit the wicket, not good signs

8.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, 2 runs, too full from Hilfenhaus, a nice on drive from Trott, past Cook and silly mid on for a couple

8.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, the pitch looks very flat, straightens on middle, pushed out to the on side

8.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, left alone

The groundsman is out there adding some sawdust to the bowling popping crease. There is some moisture under this pitch and this has been done to ensure Hilfy keeps his footing. Remember, there has been a lot of rain at the Gabba prior to this Test match and there has not been enough sunshine to dry the pitch of the remaining moisture.

7.6 Siddle to Trott, 1 run, streaky, Trott went for the cover drive, the bat turned in his hand and it ran away wide of mid wicket, in the air and in the gap too

7.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, Did not carry! straightens on the middle stump line, Trott gets a thick edge, doesn't carry to Punter at 2nd slip, Tony Greig on air reckons that he is standing a bit too deep and that he should come up a few paces

7.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

7.3 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, Cook closes the face of the bat too early, gets a leading edge towards cover, Cook wanted to turn it to on and played too early

7.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, good fielding from Hussey at gully, dives to his left and saves some runs, Cook got forward to defend and it went off the outer edge all along the ground

7.1 Siddle to Trott, 1 run, angling in to middle, Trott closes the face of the bat and clips it to fine leg, only a single as Hilfy rushes in a throw

6.6 Hilfenhaus to Cook, no run, pushed to mid off from the crease

6.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, leg byes, 1 run, the attempted yorker, nearly catches Trott by surprise, sliding down the leg side though and a leg bye stolen

6.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, FOUR!!, poor delivery, short down the leg side, Trott got inside the line, swiveled to pull it wide of fine leg

6.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, back of a length and outside off, Trott defends and shouts a loud nooooooooooooooooooooo to Cook who wanted the single

6.2 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, drop and run, defends a straight ball on middle, Trott responds and it is an easy single

6.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 2 runs, good shot! swings back in to Cook's pads, he gently clips it wide of mid on for a couple

5.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, better line, and a better leave from Trott, it came back in from outside off, back of a length too, Trott covered his off stump and then left it to Haddin who collected it above his waist, the ball is carrying nicely through to the keeper

5.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, in the channel outside off, left alone

5.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, pitched up on off stump, Trott gets forward and on drives it to mid on

5.3 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, on the middle and leg, glanced away very fine, fine leg mops up

5.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, fullish outside off, pushed back to Siddle

5.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, way outside off, no chance for Cook to play at that

4.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pushed back to Hilfenhaus, the bat turned in Trott's hands as he played that

4.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, that is the ball, perfect delivery from Hilfenhaus, angling in and then straightens forcing Trott to play at that, Trott is comprehensively beaten, not far from the outside edge

4.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, much further from outside off, swing for Hilfenhaus, but he has to get it on line

4.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, left alone

4.1 Hilfenhaus to Cook, 1 run, rolls off the inner edge wide of square leg, Trott wants the single and makes it despite the direct hit from Katich

The Ashes has started but we are already seeing a new fashion trend among the Aussies. Mitchell Johnson (Mitch), Hilfenhaus (Hilfy) and Peter Siddle are all sporting mustaches that makes them look like movie stars of the 1950's.

3.6 Siddle to Trott, no run, good ball, good one, cutting back in and striking Trott on the abdomen area as he lunged forward to defend

3.5 Siddle to Trott, no run, Australia have lost one review here!, Trott shuffles across and missed a full ball on middle and leg, it was clearly sliding down the leg side, Aleem Dar said no, Aus went for the review and replays proved Dar right

Right are Australia going in for the review? Yes they are! Trott has been ruled not-out as he missed a full ball on middle and leg, the decision is for LBW. UDRS in place and Ponting has decided to use it...

3.5 Siddle to Trott, no ball, Siddle oversteps, full and outside off, left alone

3.4 Siddle to Trott, no run, bouncer, but down the leg side, Trott ducks under that comfortably

3.3 Siddle to Cook, 1 run, Cook is off the mark and that should be a huge relief for him, turned wide of mid wicket and he hares across for the single

3.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, this time Cook gets forward and defends solidly, plants his front foot forward and blocks

3.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, back of a length and angled across, Cook defends off the backfoot towards gully

2.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, in the zone outside off, left alone

2.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, full and outside off, Trott squeezes it down to Doherty at backward point, first touch of the ball for Doherty who is on debut

2.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, FOUR!!, He is so strong on his legs, middle stump fullish delivery, Trott shuffles across and clips it beautifully past square leg, it was in the air, but no one in that region, raced away, that should give Trott a lot of confidence

2.3 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up and moving away outside off, left alone

2.2 Hilfenhaus to Trott, FOUR!!, 1st runs of the Ashes series! A bit of an edge, but all along the ground, Trott was a little squared up, opens the face of the bat a tad, it runs away off the outer edge past gully, runs down to third man

2.1 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, pitched up and outside off, Trott lets it go

Matty Hayden the local boy is seen at the ground, sitting next to his best mate and former opening partner Justin Langer..

1.6 Siddle to Cook, no run, that is a good ball, back of a length and closer to off stump, Cook sees it early and shoulders arms, another maiden over

1.5 Siddle to Cook, no run, Siddle has been erratic here, down the leg side, Cook gets inside the line and lets it go

1.3 Siddle to Cook, no run, wayward delivery, down the leg side, Cook does not connect with the glance

1.2 Siddle to Cook, no run, Cook nearly fell back on to his stumps, defends it back to Siddle and his backfoot falls over, thankfully for him he does not truge back onto his wicket

1.1 Siddle to Cook, no run, angling across Cook on a back of a length, Cook pushes at it away from the body, defends awkwardly towards gully

Peter Siddle, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, seaming in with the angle, Trott pushes it from the crease to short mid wicket, the excitement is so much that the man nearly gave away 4 overthrows with a wild throw, so a WICKET MAIDEN!! to start the 2010-11 Ashes series

0.5 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, back of a length and bouncing outside off, Trott tries to force it off the backfoot, just tapped to the on side with a cross bat

0.4 Hilfenhaus to Trott, no run, back of a length on off stump, Trott defends solidly

Jonathan Trott, right handed bat, comes to the crease

0.3 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, out Caught by Michael Hussey!! Hell of a start for Australia! Massive, massive wicket that! Was it nerves from Strauss or a loose shot, a combination of both I would say. Short and wide outside off, a bit of bounce too for Hilfenhaus, Strauss went to play his favorite cut shot, failed to keep it down and hit it straight to Hussey at gully, the crowd roar, Strauss walks back, Aus and Hilfenhaus are pumped, we could not have asked for a better start than this... Strauss c Michael Hussey b Hilfenhaus 0(3)

Hilfenhaus to Strauss, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

0.2 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, back of a length on the off stump, Strauss gets right behind the line and defends it towards backward point, solidly done

0.1 Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run, Three slips and a gully for Hilfenhaus as he angles one away from Strauss, Strauss lets it go, no Harmison horror, what a mess that is

Strauss and Cook are at the crease. Strauss is on strike. Hilfenhaus will open the attack

Ricky Ponting leads out his men and Mark Nicholas with his marvellous voice cooes "Let the Ashes begin". A small huddle from the Aussies and then the English openers walk out. We are all ready for what should be one ripper of a series. It is time for some action and I, Srivathsa alongwith Sid V will be bringing you this magnificent series... Don't you dare to stray too far. Perch yourself on the couch and get ready to be with us for the next 7 weeks or so..

Who can forget the horrid first ball from Steve Harmison, which was caught by Andrew Flintoff at 2nd slip the last time here back in 2006-07. That ball was the most talked about one despite Australia winning the series 5-0. Many felt that was the turning point of the series and that it completely deflated England. Will Hilfy or Mitch do a Harmison? Much fun awaits us if either of the two can come anywhere close to Harmy...

Pitch report: The wicket is slightly greenish. Shane Warne reckons it will be slow and assist swing early on. As the game progresses it will get quicker. Gabba is known to be quick and bouncing on days 2 and 3. But definitely a bat first wicket feel all the commentators and the pundits on the ground..

# Ricky Ponting has the highest runs for a batter here: he has made 1196 runs in 15 matches and 22 innings at an average of 66.4. This includes 4 hundreds and 8 fifties. So England have to be very wary of him

# The highest score made here is 645 by Australia against England in 1946.

# England have never won here since Ian Botham inspired them to a win here in 85-86.

Some nice stats: # Australia have never lost a test here for the past 22 years. The last time they lost a game was to the West Indies here way back in 86-87.

Both the captains reckon that the pitch is going to be a good one to bat on and Ponting too said that he would have batted first he had won the toss...

Right, so Strauss has backed his instincts and has decided to bat first. It could be the right decison, or is it? Only time will tell.. At least Strauss does not have to bear the scars like Hussain if he had bowled first and Australia had raced away to a huge total. Nasser will be a happy man, I'm presuming of course...

England have won the toss and elected to bat

The toss is just a couple of minutes away. Will Strauss if he wins the toss do a Nasser Hussain and insert Australia in? Remember that Hussain put Australia in here back in 2002 and had to pay a huge price after Australia racked up a huge score. Hussain has been derided and flayed by the critics after that decision and even now people rile him up by mentioning that to him.

England: England have a settled side and will play the three quicks and the lone spinner in Swann. There was a possibility that Tremlett could replace Finn after impressing in the recent warm-up game against Australia A but Finn retains his place..

Team news: Australia - Michael Clarke is fit and will play. Bollinger has been left out and Peter Siddle will play. Xavier Doherty would make his test debut after Nathan Hauritz was axed, while Steven Smith was sent back to play domestic cricket.

Gabba - the venue of the opening test is regarded by many to be one of the best wickets in the world. There will be pace and bounce and once the batsmen get in they can score runs. On the last couple of days, there will be turn for the spinners as the wicket gradually deteriorates. But this season, Brisbane has been prone to unseasonal rain which has made the pitch a much talked about item. Also the weather is cloudy and overcast, which is a variation from the normal heat and humidity which we get to see. Kevin Mitchell jnr, the curator reckons that this would be the normal Gabba wicket, and will have something for everyone..

There has been a lot of pre series banter. Mitchell Johnson has upped the ante by saying he will aim for pace rather than swing. He also reckons that Strauss is weak on the short ball and if aimed correctly could get his man. Kevin Pietersen has attempted to play blindfold cricket, while Warne is at it all the time on Twitter against Vaughan, KP and Co. It is going be to one hell of a series and we are just minutes away from the toss, so stay tuned...

Good morning to everyone where ever you maybe. It is Ashes time again. After all the hype and the hoopla surrounding one of Cricket's oldest rivalries it is finally here. England are buzzing with confidence after making a fine start in their pre-tour warm-up games. Australia on the other hand announced an unusually large 17 member squad before culling it to 13 just a few days before the game. Ricky Ponting is under massive pressure and the Englishmen will be hoping to cash in.

by Akshay Iyer
Andrew Strauss has at his disposal a team that goes in to an away Ashes series against Australia as firm favourites. This is something that no England captain has had the luxury of over the last decade and a half.
Most recently, Andrew Flintoff's team were blanked 0-5 in the 2006-07 series played in Australia, which was also the first whitewash in 86 years. Like Strauss' team, Flintoff led a squad of players who had regained the Ashes in the unforgettable 2005 series.
But, the main difference between Strauss's team touring Australia now and the team that Flintoff had taken Down Under is that the former are high on confidence and has posted comprehensive wins in all formats of the game in the last season. England have also had a dream start to this Ashes tour by comprehensively winning two of their three warm-up matches, including a comprehensive 10-wicket demolition of Australia A.
On the other hand, Australia head in to this Ashes series on the back of seven successive defeats in all forms of the game, including three successive Test defeats, something that hadn't occurred in more than 20 years. This run has seen Australia slip to No. 5 in the ICC Test team rankings, one spot below England. Australia's woes have been compunded by injuries to some of their main players, and the form slump of their middle-order batsmen hasn't helped their cause either.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting has already lost the Ashes twice away from home, and knows his captaincy may not survive a third Ashes series defeat. Ponting has also lost some of his batting aura, but as one of the greats of the modern era, he will be looking to make a point to his critics and prove that he is not a spent force either as Australia's premier batsman or as the captain of the Baggy Greens.
Strauss, however, has been in the form of his life over the last two years, and this has also helped his captaincy, as England have gone from strength to strength. The team under Strauss has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, but they will be well aware that a tough test awaits them in Australia starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on November 25. Strauss has also had a settled team to work with for the most part of the last two seasons, and the unity and team spirit among his team members, has been one of the driving forces of their successes too.
Strauss also leads a strong England batting line-up, which includes Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood. Except for Cook and Pietersen, the other batsmen have been in tremendous form leading to the Gabba, but KP is a man for the big stage, and will be looking to come back with a bang in the Ashes series starting with a match-winning performance in Brisbane.
The Australian batting line-up though has been beset with problems. Opening batsman Simon Katich has only regained complete fitness after injuring his thumb in India, while their middle-order pair of Michael Hussey and Marcus North have been battling inconsistent form. Vice-captain Michael Clarke won his battle with a back injury barely 24 hours before the Gabba Test, and his presence will come as a boost to the under-pressure Australians. The onus though for Australia to post competitive totals would be on all-rounder Shane Watson and Ponting.
Watson, who is also an able bowler, has come on in leaps and bounds in the last two seasons, and is easily Australia's most consistent performer in recent times. He will be expected to chip in with his medium-pacers and support the pace bowling trio of Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus. Siddle and Hilfenhaus are both coming back from injuries, but Johnson is the undisputed leader of the bowling attack and he will be key to Australia's Ashes hopes with both the ball and bat. When on song, Johnson is a handful for batsmen to handle, and Ponting would be feverishly hoping his premier bowler is on the money from the outset.
Australian selectors also sprung a surprise when they chose Xavier Doherty over Nathan Hauritz for the Brisbane Test. Doherty, who has played only two one-day internationals, will become the ninth spinner tried out by Australian selectors since Shane Warne's retirement after the 2005-06 Ashes series.
England's bowling set-up, much like their batting, is a settled unit. The one challenge that they will have to surmount, however, is their inexperience of bowling in Australian conditions. James Anderson is the only one of the English bowlers to have played an Ashes Test in Australia. Stuart Broad and Steven Finn will have to battle the unknown and come out trumps for England to challenge Australia. The key though for England with the ball is likely to be Graeme Swann, who thrives on challenges, and has been among the wickets in the last two seasons.
The battle lines have been drawn and the players are more than geared to get on with the action at the Gabba, where the pitch is reported to be a green top. The faster bowlers should enjoy the conditions in Brisbane, but with the form that Swann has been in, expect him to be a handful at the Gabba.
Ponting and his team will be hoping to preserve Australia's record of not having lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988, while Strauss' team would want to make a winning start as England look to win an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in 23 years.